The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a directive to all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to finalize the mandatory verification and linkage of SIM cards to National Identity Numbers (NINs) by September 14, 2024. The Commission stated that from September 15, 2024, it expects all SIM cards operating within Nigeria to be linked to a valid NIN.
This directive was announced in a statement released on Wednesday by Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at the NCC. The Commission urged members of the public who have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage or who have encountered issues due to verification mismatches to promptly visit their service providers to update their details before the deadline. Self-service portals approved by the NCC are also available for this purpose.
The NCC reiterated that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIM cards remain criminal offenses punishable by imprisonment and fines. Citizens are encouraged to report any such activities to the Commission through the toll-free line (622) or via its social media platforms.
The Commission also highlighted the significant progress made since the Federal Government’s 2020 policy to link all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to NINs. To date, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to NINs, representing a 96% compliance rate, a substantial increase from the 69.7% recorded in January 2024.
“As we approach the final phase of this critical process, the NCC seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100% compliance,” the statement noted. The NCC emphasized that complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is crucial for enhancing the security and trust of Nigeria’s digital economy. The policy aims to strengthen confidence in digital transactions, reduce the risk of fraud and cybercrime, and support greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services, thereby promoting financial inclusion and driving economic growth.
In collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the NCC uncovered alarming cases where individuals possessed an unusually high number of SIM cards, some exceeding 100,000. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs, ensuring the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.
The NCC concluded by thanking the public for its continued cooperation in strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
