The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced September 14, 2024, as the final deadline for all Nigerians to link their Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to their National Identity Numbers (NINs).
This directive marks the culmination of the nationwide NIN-SIM linkage policy, which aims to enhance the security and trust of Nigeria’s digital economy.
In a statement signed by Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, the commission emphasized the importance of this linkage.
“To ensure full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy, the NCC has directed all Mobile Network Operators 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,” the statement read.
The NCC reported significant progress in the NIN-SIM linkage campaign, with over 153 million SIMs successfully linked to a NIN. This reflects an impressive compliance rate of 96 per cent, a substantial increase from the 69.7 per cent recorded in January 2024.
Muoka urged all Nigerians who have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage, or who have encountered issues due to verification mismatches, to promptly update their details with their service providers before the deadline. He also highlighted the availability of approved self-service portals for this purpose.
The commission further warned against the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs, stating that such actions are criminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines. “As we approach the final phase of this critical process, the NCC seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 per cent compliance,” the statement added.
The NCC underscored the significance of the NIN-SIM linkage for national security and the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.
“By verifying all mobile users, this policy strengthens confidence in digital transactions, reduces the risk of fraud and cybercrime, and supports greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services. This, in turn, promotes financial inclusion and drives economic growth,” the statement noted.
“Through collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Identity Management Commission, the NCC has uncovered alarming cases where individuals possessed an unusually high number of SIM cards—some exceeding 100,000. The Commission also remains committed to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs, thereby safeguarding national security and ensuring the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.”
