The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced substantial progress in the Federal Government’s 2020 initiative to link all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs). To date, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked, marking an impressive 96% compliance rate—up from 69.7% in January 2024.
As the final phase of the process approaches, the NCC is urging Nigerians to cooperate in achieving full compliance. Linking all SIMs to NINs is vital for enhancing trust and security in the country’s digital economy, strengthening verification for mobile users, and boosting confidence in digital transactions. This effort helps combat fraud and cybercrime while encouraging participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services, all of which promote 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 cases where individuals held unusually large numbers of SIM cards, with some exceeding 100,000. The Commission remains committed to working with security agencies and stakeholders to combat the sale of pre-registered SIMs, ensuring national security and the integrity of Nigeria’s mobile networks.
To ensure complete compliance, the NCC has instructed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to finalize the verification and linkage of all SIMs to NINs by September 14, 2024. Starting September 15, 2024, no SIM card will be active without a valid NIN.
The public is encouraged to resolve any pending issues with their NIN-SIM linkage by visiting their service providers or using approved self-service platforms before the deadline.
Additionally, the NCC reminds the public that the sale of pre-registered SIM cards is a criminal offence punishable by fines and imprisonment. Citizens are encouraged to report such activities via the NCC’s toll-free number (622) or on social media.
The NCC extends its appreciation to the public for their cooperation in advancing Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
