August 29, 2024.
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The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has announced that September 14, 2024, will be the final deadline for all telecom subscribers to link their National Identification Number, NIN with their Subscriber Identification Module, SIM cards.
This mandate is part of a broader effort by the Federal Government to bolster national security, prevent identity theft, and streamline Nigeria’s digital identification system.
In a recent development, the NCC, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, and the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, uncovered alarming instances where individuals were found to possess an unusually high number of SIM cards—some exceeding 100,000.
This discovery underscores the critical need for the NIN-SIM linkage initiative, aimed at curbing such practices that pose significant risks to national security.
The NCC has reiterated that the September 14 deadline is final, urging all subscribers who have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage to do so immediately. Failure to comply by this date will result in the disconnection of SIM cards from telecom networks, disrupting access to vital communication services.
The NIN-SIM linkage initiative, which commenced in December 2020, has undergone several deadline extensions to accommodate subscribers.
However, the NCC has made it clear that no further grace period will be granted, emphasizing that this is the last opportunity for compliance.
Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “The NIN-SIM linkage is essential for national security and for enabling government agencies to provide better services to citizens.
“We urge all subscribers to ensure their NINs are linked to their SIM cards before the September 14 deadline to avoid any disruption in their communication services.”
To ensure full compliance, the NCC has directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by the September 14 deadline.
Effective September 15, 2024, no SIM card operating in Nigeria will be allowed to function without a valid NIN.
NCC also reassured the public that the process of linking NINs to SIM cards is straightforward and can be completed through various platforms provided by mobile network operators, including USSD codes, mobile apps, and visits to service centers.
Additionally, the Commission warned that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIM cards are criminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines.
In light of the recent uncovering of individuals possessing excessive numbers of SIM cards, the NCC remains committed to collaborating with security agencies and other stakeholders to eliminate the sale of pre-registered SIMs, thereby safeguarding national security and ensuring the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.
The Commission said, “For further information or assistance, subscribers are encouraged to contact their respective mobile network operators or visit the NCC’s official website.
“Reports of illegal SIM registration activities can be made through the Commission’s toll-free line (622) or via its social media platforms. (www.naija247news.com).
