Emmanuel Ochayi
NCC Enforces New Deadline for SIM-NIN Linkage
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a new deadline of September 14, 2024, for the mandatory linkage of Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs).
This marks the final phase in the ongoing SIM-NIN linkage exercise, which began in 2020.
Join our WhatsApp Channel66 Million Lines at Risk of Disconnection
According to the NCC, 66.01 million SIM cards are at risk of being disconnected if they are not linked to an NIN by the specified deadline.
This announcement follows a series of extensions that have been granted over the past years, with the most recent being in July 2024.
On Wednesday, the NCC disclosed that 153 million SIMs have successfully been linked to NINs, bringing the compliance rate to an impressive 96 percent.
“To date, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to a NIN, reflecting a significant increase from 69.7 percent in January 2024,” the Commission stated.
Public Outcry Over Previous Deadlines
The NCC had previously set multiple deadlines for the SIM-NIN linkage. The latest series of final deadlines was announced in December 2023, but as the deadlines approached, there was a significant public outcry.
The situation escalated when some mobile network operators began barring unlinked lines just days before the July 31, 2024, deadline. This led to protests and incidents of violence at various MTN locations.
Following these events, the NCC intervened, instructing telecommunications companies to unbar the affected lines and extended the deadline to September 14, 2024.
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“As we approach the final phase of this critical process, the NCC seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 percent compliance,” the Commission urged.
Security and Economic Implications
The NCC emphasized the importance of completing the SIM-NIN linkage to enhance security within Nigeria’s digital economy.
The Commission highlighted that the linkage is crucial for reducing fraud, combating cybercrime, and ensuring greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services.
“The complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing the trust and security of our digital economy,” said Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, in an official statement.
Crackdown on Pre-Registered SIMs
In collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the NCC revealed that the SIM-NIN exercise has led to the discovery of individuals possessing an unusually high number of SIM cards—some exceeding 100,000.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to working with security agencies to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs, which pose a significant threat to national security.
“The Commission also remains committed to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs, thereby safeguarding national security and ensuring the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria,” the statement added.
Final Notice: September 14 Deadline
As the September 14 deadline approaches, the NCC has made it clear that no SIM will be allowed to operate without a valid NIN from September 15, 2024.
The Commission continues to urge all subscribers who have not yet linked their SIMs to their NINs to do so immediately to avoid disconnection.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
