NCC Sets Final Deadline for NIN-SIM Linkage Compliance: September 14, 2024
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced September 14, 2024, as the final deadline for Nigerians to link their Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to their National Identity Numbers (NINs). This marks a critical phase in the Federal Government’s 2020 initiative aimed at enhancing the security and trust within Nigeria’s digital economy.
To date, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to NINs, reflecting an impressive compliance rate of 96 percent. This figure is a significant improvement from the 69.7 percent recorded in January 2024, underscoring the widespread public adoption of the policy.
The NCC emphasized the importance of achieving 100 percent compliance, noting that fully linking all SIM cards to NINs is essential for bolstering the security of digital transactions, reducing the risk of fraud and cybercrime, and supporting broader participation in digital banking, e-commerce, and mobile money services. These efforts, the Commission said, will contribute to greater financial inclusion and drive economic growth across the country.
In collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the NCC uncovered cases where individuals were found with an unusually high number of SIM cards—some exceeding 100,000. “The Commission remains committed to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs,” the NCC stated, underscoring its dedication to safeguarding national security and ensuring the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.
As the September 14 deadline approaches, the NCC has directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs. The Commission warned that effective September 15, 2024, any SIM operating in Nigeria without a valid NIN will be deactivated.
“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,” the NCC advised. The Commission also reminded the public that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines, urging citizens to report such activities via its toll-free line (622) or through its social media platforms.
The NCC concluded by thanking the public for its cooperation in strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. The statement was signed by Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs for the NCC, on August 28, 2024.
