150 Million linked to NIN, As NCC Sets September 14, 2024 Deadline for NIN-SIM Linkage Compliance
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that the Commission has made significant progress in the Federal Government’s 2020 policy to link all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs).
As the clock ticked closer to the final deadline, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) made a triumphant announcement: over 153 million SIMs had been successfully linked to National Identity Numbers (NINs), achieving an impressive 96% compliance rate. This marked a significant leap from the 69.7% recorded just eight months prior.
The NCC’s efforts to link all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to NINs, as mandated by the Federal Government’s 2020 policy, had reached its final phase. With the deadline set for September 14, 2024, the commission urged all Nigerians to cooperate in achieving 100% compliance.
The stakes were high, but the benefits were undeniable. By verifying all mobile users, the policy aimed to bolster the trust and security of Nigeria’s digital economy. It promised to reduce the risk of fraud and cybercrime, paving the way for greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services.
Through collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the NCC has uncovered alarming cases where individuals possessed an unusually high number of SIM cards—some exceeding 100,000. The Commission also 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.
NCC urges 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.
