*The Nigerian Communications Commission urges all telecoms subscribers to avoid network disconnections and lack of access to essential communication services, as the September 15, 2024, 鈥榝inal deadline鈥� for mandatory linkage of their National Identification Numbers to their Subscriber Identity Module Cards approaches in the country鈥檚 telecoms ecosystem

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

Millions of Nigerian telecoms consumers face disconnection from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), and access to essential communication services, as the September 14, 2024, deadline that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently handed down to all subscribers to integrate their National Identification Numbers (NINs) with their Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Cards expires in the country鈥檚 telecoms ecosystem.

绿帽献妻 reports the NCC, in a statement August 28, 2024, had asserted that the September 14 deadline is non-negotiable, warning the stakeholders that any SIM Cards not linked to a valid NIN by this specific date would be disconnected from telecoms networks, thereby disrupting their access to essential communication services in Nigeria.

SIM Cards

The telecoms sector regulatory Commission also sought the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 percent compliance by this weekend, stating the complete linkage of all SIM Cards to NINs is essential for safeguarding national security and ensuring the integrity of mobile numbers in the country.

It is recalled that the NIN-SIM linkage initiative, which commenced December 2020, has seen several deadline extensions to accommodate subscribers, but the Commission has made it clear that this is the final opportunity for compliance.

NCC seeks to achieve 100 percent compliance by deadline

Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, in announcing significant progress in the Federal Government鈥檚 2020 policy to link all SIM Cards to NINs, noted that over 153 million SIMs had been successfully linked to a NIN, reflecting an impressive compliance rate of 96 percent, a substantial increase from 69.7 percent January 2024.

Muoka also stated: 鈥淎s we approach the final phase of this critical process, the NCC seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 percent compliance.

鈥淭he complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing the trust and security of our digital economy.鈥�

As regards the benefits of telecoms consumers鈥� performing the needed NIN-SIM integration in the ecosystem, the Commission explained that by verifying all mobile users, the 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.

This, in turn, promotes financial inclusion and drives economic growth, it said.

The Commission equally revealed that through collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), it had uncovered alarming cases where individuals possessed an unusually high number of SIM Cards, with some culprits exceeding 100,000.

The Commission, the Director of Public Affairs stated, however, 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 NCC further directed all Mobile Network Operators to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by September 14, 2024.

The statement noted: 鈥淓ffective September 15, 2024, the Commission expects that no SIM operating in Nigeria will be without a valid NIN.

鈥淲e urge all members of the public who have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage, or who have faced issues due to verification mismatches, to visit their service providers promptly to update their details before the deadline.鈥�

Muoka 鈥淎lternatively, the approved self-service portals are available for this purpose. 鈥淲e encourage citizens to report any such activities to the Commission via our toll-free line (622) or through our social media platforms.鈥�

The Commission as well commended the general public for continued cooperation as 鈥渨e work together to strengthen Nigeria鈥檚 digital ecosystem.鈥�

On NIN-SIM linkage, national security and identity theft

As the Commission has emphasised the sanctity of the September 14 final deadline for telecoms subscribers to link their NINs to SIM Cards, Nigeria鈥檚 foremost telecoms sector regulator also restated that the directive is part of a 鈥渂roader federal initiative to streamline Nigeria鈥檚 digital identification system鈥� and a significant move towards enhancing national security and curbing identity theft.

It as well reiterated that the deadline is non-negotiable, warning that any SIM Cards not linked to a valid NIN by this date (September 15) would be disconnected from telecoms networks, thereby disrupting access to essential communication services.

Strategic importance of initiative to provision of social services, by Maida

Restating the significance of the NIN-SIM integration in the telecoms ecosystem at a recent forum, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Commission, emphasised the significance of this initiative.

Dr. Maida asserted: 鈥淭he NIN-SIM linkage is crucial for national security and for enabling government agencies to provide better services to citizens.

鈥淲e urge all subscribers to ensure their NINs are linked to their SIM cards before the September 14 deadline to avoid any disruption in their communication services.鈥�

The NCC, therefore, directed all Mobile Network Operators to ensure the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs is completed by the stated deadline.

The Commission reiterated that effective September 15, 2024, any SIM Card operating in Nigeria without a valid NIN would be 鈥渞endered inactive.鈥�

The telecoms regulator further warned all stakeholders against the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIM Cards, describing such acts as 鈥渃riminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines鈥� in Nigeria.

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