The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given a directive to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIM cards to National Identity Numbers (NINs) by September 14, 2024.
In a statement released on Wednesday by Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, the commission said that this directive is crucial to ensuring full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy.
According to him, progress has made since the Federal Government’s 2020 initiative to link all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to NINs.
To date, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked, achieving a 96% compliance rate, a notable increase from 69.7% in January 2024.
“As we approach the final phase of this critical process, the NCC seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100% compliance. The complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing the trust and security of our digital economy,” the statement said.
It further explained that by verifying all mobile users, the policy strengthens confidence in digital transactions, reduces the risk of fraud and cybercrime, and promotes greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services—contributing to financial inclusion and economic growth.
The NCC also revealed through collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), they had uncovered alarming cases of individuals possessing an unusually high number of SIM cards, with some exceeding 100,000.
To safeguard national security, the NCC reiterated its commitment to working with security agencies and stakeholders to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs.
The commission stressed that effective from September 15, 2024, no SIM operating in Nigeria should be without a valid NIN.
“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,” the statement added.
The NCC also reminded the public that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines, encouraging citizens to report any such activities via the commission’s toll-free line (622) or through social media platforms.
