Over the weekend, telecommunications operators took action to deactivate approximately 40 million telephone lines in compliance with the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) deadline of February 28, 2024. This mandate required all telecom consumers to link their Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) with their National Identity Numbers (NINs).
The NCC’s directive, initially targeting the deactivation of 12 million telephone lines, saw a significant increase as the deadline approached. The regulatory body stressed the importance of this linkage in bolstering national security and enhancing digital identity verification processes.
Reuben Mouka, the NCC Director of Public Affairs, confirmed that there would be no extension of the deadline. Telecom operators failing to deactivate unlinked SIMs by the specified date would face sanctions.
For consumers yet to link their SIMs with their NINs, the Nigerian Identity Management Commission (NIMC) offers a solution through the NIMC Personal Identity digital application. The application allows users to link up to 28 mobile numbers to their NINs.
- Download the NIMC Personal Identity Application: Begin by downloading the NIMC Personal Identity application from either the Google Store or Apple Store.
- Input Your NIN: Upon installation, launch the application and input your 11-digit NIN to proceed with the linkage process.
- Retrieve Your NIN (if necessary): If you do not know your NIN, you can retrieve it by dialing *346# on the mobile number provided during registration. Alternatively, provide your first name, middle name, surname, and date of birth in the information box provided by the app to search for your NIN.
- Confirmation of Number: Once your NIN is confirmed, the application will proceed to confirm your mobile number.
- Receive OTP: If the number found linked to your NIN is not recognized, indicate that you want to use another number. Provide the alternative number, and you will immediately receive an SMS containing a token to proceed.
- Input OTP: Input the received OTP to confirm your identity and proceed with the linkage process.
- Link Your Numbers: After successfully confirming your identity, you will be directed to a platform displaying your UserID and NIN information. Click on the icon indicating the option to link your numbers.
- Receive OTP for Linkage: Another OTP will be sent to the number(s) you wish to link. Input the OTP received to complete the linkage process.
By following these steps, telecom subscribers can ensure that their phone numbers are linked to their NINs, thereby complying with regulatory requirements and avoiding potential deactivation of SIM cards. This initiative aims to enhance national security and streamline digital identity verification processes across the country.
