SHALOM OLALEYE
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that the final deadline for linking Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs) is September 14, 2024.
“We have made substantial progress, but we need every Nigerian to take this final step towards full compliance,” said Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC.
The NCC stressed that this process is vital for securing Nigeria’s digital economy. “Linking your SIM to your NIN is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a crucial step in protecting your digital identity and ensuring the safety of digital transactions,” Danbatta explained.
The policy aims to reduce the risk of fraud and cybercrime, thereby fostering greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services.
In the lead-up to the deadline, the NCC uncovered alarming cases of individuals possessing large quantities of SIM cards, with some holding over 100,000.
The NCC is working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and other stakeholders to address these issues and ensure that all SIM cards are properly linked by the deadline.
The NCC has directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to finalize the verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by September 14, 2024. Effective September 15, any SIM without a valid NIN will be deactivated.