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The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has announced September 14 as final deadline for the National Identity Numbers, NINs and Subscribers Identification Modules, SIM card linkage.

The Commission, therefore, has directed all Mobile Network Operators, MNOs, to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs) by September 14, 2024.

The directive was contained in a statement by the Commission on Wednesday. This is after it gave an update on the Federal Government’s 2020 policy to link all NINs to SIMs.

According to the Commission, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to a NIN. This, it said, reflects a compliance rate of 96 per cent. Which translates to a substantial increase from 69.7 per cent in January 2024.

The statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, the Commission, Reuben Muoka, said the Commission targets 100 percent compliance.

He said, “As the country approaches the final phase of the process, it seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 per cent compliance.

“The complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing trust and security of our digital economy.”

“By verifying all mobile users, this policy strengthens confidence in digital transactions. It 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.”

NCC further revealed that working in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, and the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, it has uncovered alarming cases of individuals possessing an unusually high number of SIM cards. Some, it said, exceeding 100,000.

The statement emphasized that, “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.”

To achieve full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy, the Commission said, it has mandated the network operators to do so by September 14.

“We have 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.

“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,” it stated.

NCC also reminded the public that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offences. And it is punishable by imprisonment and fines.

It said, “We encourage citizens to report any such activities to the Commission via our toll-free line (622). Or through our social media platforms.”

NCC also extended its gratitude to the general public for cooperating in the quest to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

 

source: Daily Post

 

 

 

 

 

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