The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a directive to all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs) by September 14, 2024.
This announcement comes as an update to the Federal Government’s 2020 policy aimed at linking all NINs to SIMs. To date, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to a NIN, representing a 96% compliance rate.
The NCC emphasized the importance of complete linkage for enhancing trust and security in the digital economy, reducing fraud and cybercrime risks, and promoting financial inclusion and economic growth.
The Commission also revealed that it has identified cases of individuals possessing an unusually high number of SIM cards and is working with security agencies to address this issue.
To ensure full compliance, the NCC has directed MNOs to complete the verification and linkage process by September 14, 2024. Effective September 15, 2024, no SIM operating in Nigeria will be allowed without a valid NIN.
The public is urged to update their details before the deadline, and report any instances of pre-registered SIM sales to the Commission.”
