The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a new deadline for all mobile subscribers to link their SIM cards with their National Identity Numbers (NIN) by September 14, 2024.
From September 15, 2024, any SIM not linked to a NIN will be disconnected. This directive is part of a broader effort by the Federal Government to enhance security and trust in Nigeria’s digital economy.
The NCC, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), raised concerns about individuals acquiring multiple SIM cards, with some possessing over 100,000 SIMs.
The Commission emphasized the need to clean up the system and urged Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to ensure full compliance with the directive.
The NCC reported that over 153 million SIMs have already been successfully linked to NINs, reflecting a 96% compliance rate.
The Commission stressed that linking all SIMs to NINs is crucial for reducing fraud, enhancing digital transactions, and promoting financial inclusion.
The public is urged to complete their SIM-NIN linkage before the deadline and report any illegal sale of pre-registered SIMs to the NCC.