Nigerian government sets September 14 deadline for NIN-SIM linkage

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed all mobile network operators to complete the mandatory verification and linking of Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to the National Identification Number (NIN) by September 14.

NCC Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said the directive was aimed at ensuring full compliance with the NIN-SIM relationship policy.

The spokesperson added that significant progress had been recorded in the Federal Government’s policy to link all SIMs to NIN.

According to him, more than 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to their NIN since the exercise began.

He stressed that this reflected an impressive compliance rate of 96 percent compared to 69.7 percent recorded in January.

Muoka said: “As we approach the final phase of this important process, the NCC seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 percent compliance.

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“Full linkage of all SIM cards to NIN is critical to enhancing the trust and security of our digital economy.

“By verifying all mobile users, this policy strengthens trust 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 drives financial inclusion and drives economic growth.”

He said that through collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the commission had uncovered cases of concern.

“This includes cases where individuals have an unusually large number of SIM cards, some exceeding 100,000.

“We remain committed to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs.

“This is done to safeguard national security and ensure the integrity of mobile phone numbers in Nigeria,” the spokesperson added.

Nigerian Government sets September 14 deadline for NIN-SIM linking first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.