Breaking: NCC announces final deadline for NIN-SIM linkage compliance

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s 2020 initiative to link all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) with National Identity Numbers (NINs).

According to the NCC, over 153 million SIMs have now been successfully linked to an NIN, representing a compliance rate of 96 percent, a notable increase from 69.7 percent in January 2024.

As the process enters its final phase, the NCC is calling on all Nigerians to ensure 100 percent compliance.

The complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is vital for bolstering the trust and security of Nigeria’s digital economy.

By verifying all mobile users, the policy aims to enhance confidence in digital transactions, reduce the risk of fraud and cybercrime, and encourage greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services. This, in turn, is expected to promote financial inclusion and drive economic growth.

The NCC, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has uncovered alarming instances 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.

To ensure full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy, the NCC has directed all Mobile Network Operators (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.

The NCC is urging members of the public who have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage, or who have encountered issues due to verification mismatches, to visit their service providers promptly to update their details before the deadline. Approved self-service portals are also available for this purpose.

The NCC also reminds the public that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines.

The Commission encourages citizens to report any such activities via its toll-free line (622) or through its social media platforms.

The NCC expressed gratitude to the general public for its continued cooperation as the nation works towards strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.