The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has mandated all mobile network operators to complete the verification and linkage of Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identification Numbers (NINs) by September 14. This directive aims to ensure full adherence to the NIN-SIM linkage policy, as announced by NCC Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka, in a statement on Wednesday from Abuja.
The NCC has reported significant progress in linking SIMs to NINs, with over 153 million SIMs successfully linked since the initiative began. This represents a notable compliance rate of 96 percent, a substantial increase from the 69.7 percent recorded in January.
Muoka emphasized the importance of this final phase of the process, urging all Nigerians to support the initiative to achieve 100 percent compliance. He highlighted that linking all SIM cards to NINs is crucial for enhancing digital economy security, building trust in digital transactions, and reducing fraud and cybercrime risks. The policy is also expected to boost participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services, thereby promoting financial inclusion and economic growth.
The NCC, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has uncovered concerning cases, including individuals possessing unusually high numbers of SIM cards, some exceeding 100,000. The NCC remains committed to addressing the sale of pre-registered SIMs to protect national security and maintain the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.
