The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has set a final deadline of September 14, 2024, for linking National Identification Numbers (NINs) with Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs).
Reuben Muoka, the NCC spokesman, announced that mobile network operators (MNOs) are required to complete this verification process by the deadline.
As of now, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to NINs, demonstrating a significant compliance rate of 96%, up from 69.7% in January 2024.
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.
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, adding that that this was to safeguard national security and ensure the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.
The commission said that effective from Sept. 15, 2024, it expected that no SIM operating in Nigeria would be without a valid NIN.
“We strongly advise the public to visit their service providers as soon as possible to update their information before the deadline if they have not yet finished their NIN-SIM linkage or if they have encountered problems because of verification discrepancies.
Alternatively, you can use the authorized self-service portals for this. Additionally, the NCC cautions the public that purchasing and selling pre-registered SIM cards are crimes that carry jail time and fines.
The statement read, “We encourage citizens to report any such activities to the Commission via our social media platforms or our toll-free line, 622.”
