NCC Sets Final Deadline for NIN-SIM Linkage Compliance

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a final deadline for the linkage of Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs), set for September 14, 2024. This initiative is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the security and trustworthiness of Nigeria’s digital economy.

As of now, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to NINs, resulting in a compliance rate of 96%, a significant rise from 69.7% recorded in January 2024. The NCC emphasizes that achieving full compliance is crucial for reducing fraud, enhancing security, and boosting participation in digital services such as e-commerce and mobile banking.

Working alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the NCC has identified concerning instances of individuals holding excessive numbers of SIM cards—some having over 100,000. The Commission is committed to collaborating with security agencies to combat the sale of pre-registered SIMs and maintain the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.

To ensure compliance, all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have been instructed to finalize the verification and linkage process by the deadline. Starting September 15, 2024, no SIM operating in Nigeria will be permitted to function without a valid NIN.

The NCC urges all individuals who have not yet linked their NINs to their SIMs, or those experiencing verification issues, to contact their service providers or use the approved self-service portals as soon as possible.

It’s important to note that while the NCC encourages individuals to utilize approved self-service portals for NIN-SIM linkage, some GSM operators, such as Glo, may not currently offer this option online. Instead, they require customers to visit their physical offices for assistance.