From Our Correspondent
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced significant progress in the Federal Government’s 2020 policy to link all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs).
Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs announced this in a statement emailed to TheNewsZenith on Thursday.
To date, NCC noted that more than 153 million SIMs have successfully linked to a NIN. This reflects an impressive compliance rate of 96 per cent.
The figure is a substantial increase from 69.7 per cent in January.
“As we approach the final phase of this critical process, the NCC seeks the continued
cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 per cent compliance.
“The complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing the trust and security of
our digital economy.
“By verifying all mobile users, this policy strengthens confidence in digital transactions, reduces the risk of fraud and cybercrime.
“It also supports greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services.
“This, in turn, promotes financial inclusion and drives economic growth.
“NCC has uncovered alarming cases where individuals possessed an unusually high number of SIM cards; some exceeding 100,000.
“This is possible through collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)
and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Read Related News:
- NCC orders reactivation of lines affected by verification issues
- NIMC, NCC to enhance NIN-SIM linkage processes
- NCC: A Digital Enabler of the Renewed Hope Agenda
- 6G evolution: prepare for opportunities, risks — NCC
- NCC directors clinch ITU positions at WRC in Dubai
The Commission stated that it remained committed to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs.
This is to safeguard national security and ensuring the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.
To ensure full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy, the NCC directed all mobile network operators (MNOs) to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by Sept. 14.
“Effective Sept. 15, the Commission expects that no SIM operating in Nigeria will be without a valid NIN.
“We urge all members of the public, who have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage,to update their details before the deadline.
“Alternatively, the approved self-service portals are available for this purpose,” it stated.
The Commission also reminded that the sale of pre-registered SIMs were criminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines.
“We encourage citizens to report any such activities to the Commission via our toll-free line (622) or through our social media platforms.
“The Commission thanks the general public for its continued cooperation as we work
together to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”
Do you have a flair for Citizenship Journalism? Share stories of happenings in your area with TheNewsZenith on WhatsApp: 08033668669 or thenewszenithonline@gmail.com. Follow us on www.tiktok.com/@thenewszenithonline. Also, visit, subscribe and like our videos on YouTube
