The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has set a firm deadline of September 14, 2024, for the completion of the Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) linkage to National Identity Numbers (NINs).
In a statement released on Wednesday, August 28, the NCC emphasized that beginning September 15, 2024, no SIM card operating within Nigeria will be permitted without a valid NIN.
Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, who signed the statement, called on all individuals who have not yet linked their SIMs to a NIN or who have encountered verification issues to promptly visit their service providers to resolve these matters before the deadline.
“Over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to NINs, representing a remarkable compliance rate of 96 percent, a significant jump from 69.7 percent in January 2024,” Muoka stated. He added that the commission aims for full compliance by the September deadline.
The statement also highlighted the NCC’s ongoing efforts to combat the sale of pre-registered SIMs, which pose a threat to national security. “The sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines,” Muoka warned.
The NCC, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has uncovered concerning cases where individuals were found to possess an excessively high number of SIM cards, with some having over 100,000.
“The complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is crucial for enhancing the trust and security of our digital economy,” the statement read. “By verifying all mobile users, this policy strengthens confidence in digital transactions, reduces the risk of fraud and cybercrime, and supports greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services. This, in turn, promotes financial inclusion and drives economic growth.”
The NCC urged all Nigerians to comply with the NIN-SIM linkage policy by the set deadline, warning that failure to do so could result in the deactivation of their SIM cards. “We encourage citizens to report any illegal activities related to pre-registered SIMs to the Commission via our toll-free line (622) or through our social media platforms,” Muoka concluded.
The NCC expressed gratitude to the public for their cooperation as the country works towards strengthening its digital ecosystem.
