Unblocking SIM Cards, NIN-SIM Linkage is Mandatory

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would like to inform telecoms consumers that if their Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards are barred from making calls, service providers will only unblock them once they are linked to the National Identification Numbers (NINs) of the SIM holders.
This information is crucial due to the circulation of a viral web link (https://bit.ly/NCC-Sim-Unbar-Gov-Ng) on social media and certain websites. The link and accompanying narrative contain false and misleading information designed to deceive the general public regarding the unblocking of SIM cards that are barred from making calls due to non-linkage with NINs by the set deadline.

The deceptive message prominently displays the NCC logo and falsely promises the public that by clicking the web link and following the instructions, subscribers with blocked SIM cards can unblock them across mobile networks without a valid NIN.

To clarify, the NCC categorically states that it has never issued such a statement instructing subscribers that they can unblock their SIM cards without a NIN. Therefore, the originators and spreaders of this false message were intentionally attempting to mislead unsuspecting members of the public.

Consequently, their message should be disregarded.

The NCC is the national regulatory authority for telecommunications in Nigeria and is jointly overseeing the NIN-SIM linkage process with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), as directed by the Federal Government.

Under no circumstances will the Commission act contrary to the Federal Government’s directive to mobile network operators (MNOs) to block SIM cards that are not linked to NINs after the specified deadline for the NIN-SIM linkage exercise.

Now, the NCC officially informs affected telecom subscribers on how to actively connect their SIM cards to make calls.

For subscribers who have not yet registered for their NIN, they should register their SIM cards at accredited centers nationwide and then link their NINs to their SIM cards through the channels provided by their service providers.

For subscribers who have registered NINs, they simply need to link their NINs to their SIM cards through the channels provided by their service providers.

The NCC reiterates its commitment to the Federal Government’s directive on the NIN-SIM linkage, which aims to strengthen the country’s security, support socio-economic planning activities, and safeguard consumers from falling victim to cyber fraudsters.

Lastly, the NCC would like to inform the general public that it is not currently recruiting.

Therefore, any advertisement suggesting ongoing recruitment at the NCC, circulating on Twitter or other social media platforms, is a scam and should be disregarded.

ncc.gov.ng