NCC Announces 96% Compliance in NIN-SIM Linkage, Urges Full Compliance by September 14, 2024

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced significant progress in the ongoing policy to link all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs), a critical component of the Federal Government’s 2020 digital security initiative.

According to the NCC, over 153 million SIMs have now been successfully linked to NINs, representing an impressive compliance rate of 96%. This marks a substantial increase from the 69.7% compliance recorded in January 2024.

As the country approaches the final phase of this crucial process, the NCC is calling for the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100% compliance.

The complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is not only a regulatory requirement but also essential for enhancing the trust and security of Nigeria’s digital economy.

By verifying the identity of all mobile users, the NIN-SIM linkage policy is designed 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.

The policy is also seen as a key driver for promoting financial inclusion and stimulating economic growth.

In collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the NCC has uncovered alarming cases where individuals possessed an unusually high number of SIM cards, with some exceeding 100,000.

The Commission said it is working closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs, an illegal practice that poses significant risks to national security and the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.

To ensure full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy, the NCC has directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by September 14, 2024. Effective September 15, 2024, the Commission expects that no SIM operating in Nigeria will be without a valid NIN.

Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, emphasized the importance of this final push towards complete compliance: “We urge all members of the public who have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage or who have faced issues due to verification mismatches to visit their service providers promptly to update their details before the deadline.

“Alternatively, the approved self-service portals are available for this purpose.”

The NCC also issued a stern reminder that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines.

The Commission encouraged citizens to report any such activities via their toll-free line (622) or through their social media platforms.

Recall that in July 2024, all mobile providers were instructed by the NCC to revive any lines they severed after users were blocked because they had not matched their NINs with their SIM cards.

The planned protest at the time and the allegations that the government was attempting to thwart the protest through telecoms may not be unrelated to the regulator’s abrupt U-turn.

At the time, MTN, Airtel, Globacom, 9mobile, and other telecom carriers blocked millions of lines, shocking and disbelieving the affected customers, many of whom claimed their lines had been connected to NIN for a long time.