The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially announced September 14, 2024, as the final deadline for the National Identification Number (NIN) and SIM card linkage exercise. NCC urged all mobile network users across the country to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of their SIM cards to their NINs before this date.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the NCC revealed that over 153 million SIM cards have already been successfully linked to NINs, marking an impressive compliance rate of 96%, a significant jump from 69.7% in January 2024.
“To ensure full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy, the NCC has directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to finalize the verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by September 14, 2024,” the statement reads. “Effective September 15, 2024, no SIM operating in Nigeria will be without a valid NIN.”
The commission emphasized that the full completion of the NIN-SIM linkage is crucial for enhancing the trust and security of Nigeria’s digital economy. “By verifying all mobile users, this policy strengthens confidence in digital transactions, reduces the risk of fraud and cybercrime, and supports greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services,” the NCC added.
Read Also: Delta NUJ urges Gov. Oborevwori to prioritize Infrastructure, security reforms
As the deadline approaches, the NCC has urged Nigerians who have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage or who have faced verification issues to visit their service providers immediately to update their details. The commission also highlighted the availability of approved self-service portals for this purpose.
The NCC said they are committed to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs. The commission reminded the public that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offenses 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 NCC stated.
As the final deadline draws near, the NCC is calling on all Nigerians to act promptly to avoid disconnection and to ensure they remain compliant with this critical national policy.
