The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs) by September 14, 2024.
On Wednesday, the NCC provided an update on the Federal Government’s 2020 policy to link all NINs to SIMs. The Commission reported that over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to a NIN, achieving a compliance rate of 96%, a significant increase from 69.7% in January 2024.
In a statement signed by Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs, the Commission emphasized the importance of public cooperation as the process enters its final phase to achieve 100% compliance.
“The complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing the trust and security of our digital economy,” the statement read.
The policy aims to verify all mobile users, strengthen confidence in digital transactions, reduce fraud and cybercrime risks, and support greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services, ultimately promoting financial inclusion and economic growth.
The Commission also revealed that, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), it has discovered alarming cases where individuals possessed an unusually high number of SIM cards—some exceeding 100,000.
“The Commission remains committed to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs, thereby safeguarding national security and ensuring the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria,” the statement continued.
To ensure full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy, the NCC has directed all MNOs to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by September 14, 2024.
“Effective September 15, 2024, the Commission expects that no SIM operating in Nigeria will be without a valid NIN.
We urge all members of the public who have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage, or who have faced issues due to verification mismatches, to visit their service providers promptly to update their details before the deadline. Alternatively, the approved self-service portals are available for this purpose.”
The NCC also reminded the public that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines.
“We encourage citizens to report any such activities to the Commission via our toll-free line (622) or through our social media platforms.”
The Commission expressed its gratitude to the public for their cooperation in strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
