The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it has directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by Sept. 14, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Mr Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs at NCC, on Wednesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The statement said that the directive aimed at ensuring full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It said that the NCC was pleased to announce significant progress in the Federal Government\u2019s 2020 policy to link all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the statement, to date, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to their NINs, reflecting an impressive compliance rate of 96 per cent, a substantial increase from 69.7 per cent in January 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs we approach the final phase of this critical process, the NCC seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 per cent compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing the trust and security of our digital economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBy 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis, in turn, promotes financial inclusion and drives economic growth,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the commission, through collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the NCC has uncovered alarming cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The NCC said that it also remained committed to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It stressed that this was to safeguard national security and ensure the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The commission said that, effective from Sept. 15, 2024, it expected that no SIM operating in Nigeria would be without a valid NIN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAlternatively, the approved self-service portals are available for this purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe NCC also reminds the public that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe encourage citizens to report any such activities to the Commission via our toll-free line (622) or through our social media platforms,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n