The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reported significant progress in the Federal Government’s 2020 policy requiring all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to be linked to National Identity Numbers (NINs). As of now, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to NINs, representing a compliance rate of 96 percent, a considerable increase from the 69.7 percent reported in January 2024.
As the process enters its final phase, the NCC is calling on all Nigerians to cooperate fully to achieve 100 percent compliance. The complete linkage of SIM cards to NINs is crucial for enhancing the security and trustworthiness of Nigeria’s digital economy. By ensuring that all mobile users are verified, this policy helps to bolster confidence in digital transactions, reduces the risk of fraud and cybercrime, and promotes broader participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services. This, in turn, is expected to boost financial inclusion and drive 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 possessed an unusually high number of SIM cards, with some exceeding 100,000. The NCC remains committed to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to eliminate the sale of pre-registered SIMs, thereby safeguarding national security and ensuring the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.
The NCC has directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by September 14, 2024. Starting from September 15, 2024, the Commission expects that no SIM operating in Nigeria will be without a valid NIN.
The NCC urges members of the public who have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage, or who have encountered issues due to verification mismatches, to visit their service providers immediately to update their details before the deadline. Alternatively, self-service portals approved by the NCC are available for this purpose.
The Commission also reminds the public that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines. Citizens are encouraged to report any such activities to the NCC via the toll-free line (622) or through the Commission’s social media platforms.
The NCC appreciates the continued cooperation of the general public as it works to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
