The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has established a new deadline for all telecom subscribers to link their Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to their National Identity Numbers (NINs). This move is part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to enforce the NIN-SIM linkage policy across the country, aimed at enhancing security and ensuring a more reliable telecommunications network.
September 14, 2024: The Final Deadline
The NCC has issued a directive to all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by September 14, 2024. This deadline is the latest in a series of extensions provided to give Nigerians ample time to comply with the policy. The Commission has emphasized that after this date, all SIM cards operating in Nigeria must be linked to a valid NIN, without exception.
In a statement, the NCC urged subscribers who have not yet completed the linkage process or who have encountered issues due to verification mismatches to visit their service providers immediately. “We 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. Alternatively, the approved self-service portals are available for this purpose,” the NCC said.
Progress and Impact of the NIN-SIM Linkage Policy
Since the Federal Government introduced the NIN-SIM linkage policy in 2020, the initiative has achieved significant progress. According to the NCC, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to NINs, reflecting an impressive compliance rate of 96%. This marks a substantial improvement from the 69.7% compliance rate recorded in January 2024.
The NCC has reiterated that the verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs is a crucial step in strengthening the integrity of digital transactions, reducing the risk of fraud and cybercrime, and fostering greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services. “Verifying all mobile users 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 Commission stated. This, in turn, is expected to promote financial inclusion and drive economic growth across the country.
NCC Calls for Full Compliance Ahead of the Final Phase
As the final phase of the NIN-SIM linkage exercise approaches, the NCC is calling for the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100% compliance. “The complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing the trust and security of our digital economy,” the NCC emphasized.
The compulsory NIN-SIM linkage exercise began in December 2020 when the government directed telecommunication companies to deactivate unregistered SIM cards and those not linked to NINs. Over the years, the Commission has extended the deadline multiple times to accommodate subscribers who faced challenges during the linkage process. Initially set for April 15, 2024, the deadline was first extended to July 31, 2024, and has now been moved to September 14, 2024, to ensure that all subscribers have adequate time to comply.
Recent Developments and Public Reactions
In recent months, the NCC has made significant moves to ensure the success of the NIN-SIM linkage initiative. Last month, the Commission directed all telecom operators to suspend the disconnection of SIM cards that were not linked to NINs. This decision was made in response to the widespread challenges and disruptions caused by the mass disconnection of unlinked SIM cards.
“The consumer is our priority,” the NCC stated. “Considering the challenges the blockages have caused, the Commission has directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend because of the short time available for consumers to undertake the verification of their NINs with their SIMs.”
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Despite the grace period, many subscribers have yet to link their SIMs to their NINs, leading to widespread frustration and protests across the country. In one notable incident, a protest broke out at the MTN office in Osogbo, Osun State, following the company’s decision to block SIM cards that were not linked to NINs. Video footage circulated on social media showed a large group of people setting up blockades in front of the MTN office, preventing commuters from passing through. The protesters expressed anger over the lack of prior warning before their SIM cards were blocked, demanding immediate reinstatement.
Subscribers also took to social media to criticize the telecoms for barring their telephone lines without notice. Many detailed how they woke up to find that they could not make or receive calls or access the Internet, leading to significant disruptions in their daily lives.
Conclusion: A Call for Urgency and Compliance
As the September 14, 2024, deadline looms, the NCC is urging all Nigerians to take immediate action to link their SIMs to their NINs to avoid disconnection. The Commission has highlighted the importance of this exercise in securing Nigeria’s digital economy and ensuring that all citizens can continue to access essential telecommunications services without interruption.
The success of the NIN-SIM linkage policy is seen as a critical step towards a more secure and efficient telecommunications environment in Nigeria, with the potential to drive broader economic growth and digital inclusion across the country.