The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced significant strides in the Federal Government’s 2020 initiative to link all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) with National Identity Numbers (NINs). As of now, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to NINs, reflecting an impressive compliance rate of 96%, a notable increase from 69.7% in January 2024.
As the initiative enters its final phase, the NCC is calling on all Nigerians to ensure full compliance, aiming for a 100% linkage rate. The complete synchronization of SIM cards with NINs is critical for enhancing the security and trustworthiness of Nigeria’s digital economy. By confirming the identity of mobile users, this policy bolsters confidence in digital transactions, mitigates the risk of fraud and cybercrime, and encourages broader participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services—key drivers of financial inclusion and economic growth.
In collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the NCC has uncovered disturbing instances where individuals held an excessive number of SIM cards, with some cases exceeding 100,000. The Commission is also working closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to combat the sale of pre-registered SIMs, a measure vital to maintaining national security and preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s mobile communication network.
The NCC has mandated that all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) finalize the verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by September 14, 2024. Starting from September 15, 2024, the Commission expects that no SIM card in Nigeria will operate without a valid NIN.
The NCC urges anyone who has not yet completed the NIN-SIM linkage, or those experiencing issues due to verification mismatches, to promptly visit their service providers or utilize the approved self-service portals to update their information before the deadline.
Furthermore, the NCC reminds the public that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offenses, subject to penalties including imprisonment and fines. Citizens are encouraged to report any such activities to the Commission via the toll-free line (622) or through the NCC’s social media channels.
The Commission expresses its gratitude to the public for their ongoing cooperation as efforts continue to fortify Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
