Nigeria’s telecommunications regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has given mobile network operators an ultimatum to complete the verification and linkage of all SIM cards to National Identity Numbers (NINs) by September 14, 2024.
News About Nigeria that this move is aimed at fortifying the country’s digital economy against fraud and cybercrime.
In a statement, NCC’s spokesperson, Reuben Muoka, expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, revealing that over 153 million SIM cards have been successfully linked to their NINs.
This represents a significant leap from the 69.7% compliance rate recorded in January 2024.
As the deadline draws near, the NCC is urging Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunity to link their SIM cards to their NINs.
The commission emphasizes that this exercise is crucial for building trust and security in the digital economy, thereby promoting financial inclusion and economic growth.
However, the NCC’s collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has uncovered some startling cases of individuals hoarding multiple SIM cards, with some holding over 100,000.
The commission said it is working closely with security agencies to crack down on the illegal sale of pre-registered SIMs, which poses a significant threat to national security.
With the deadline fast approaching, the NCC has urged Nigerians to take immediate action to link their SIM cards to their NINs, adding that failure to do so may result in SIM cards being deactivated.
The commission also warned that buying or selling pre-registered SIMs is a criminal offense punishable by law.
