The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a final deadline of September 14, 2024, for all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs). This directive is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing effort to ensure full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy.
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, the commission expressed satisfaction with the significant progress made so far, noting that over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to their NINs. This represents a 96% compliance rate, up from 69.7% in January 2024.
The NCC emphasized the importance of achieving 100% compliance, stating that the complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is crucial for enhancing trust and security in Nigeria’s digital economy. By verifying all mobile users, the policy aims to reduce the risk of fraud and cybercrime, bolster confidence in digital transactions, and support greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services. These efforts are expected to promote financial inclusion and drive economic growth.
The commission also highlighted ongoing efforts in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to address issues such as individuals possessing an unusually high number of SIM cards—some exceeding 100,000. The NCC reiterated its commitment to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to combat the sale of pre-registered SIMs, which is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment and fines.
Starting from September 15, 2024, the NCC expects that no SIM operating in Nigeria will be without a valid NIN. The commission urged all Nigerians who have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage or who have encountered verification mismatches to visit their service providers promptly to update their details before the deadline. Self-service portals approved by the NCC are also available for this purpose.
The NCC also reminded the public that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offenses and encouraged citizens to report any such activities via the commission’s toll-free line (622) or its social media platforms.