NIN-SIM linkage: NCC Uncovers Nigerians with Over 100,000 SIM Cards
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has revealed disturbing cases of individuals registering over 100,000 SIM cards in their names, posing a significant threat to national security.
This discovery was made through a joint effort with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) during the ongoing National Identification Number (NIN)-SIM linkage exercise.Under the NIN-SIM linkage policy, individuals are permitted to register a maximum of four SIM cards per network operator, excluding SIMs for use in Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as wearables and trackers.
However, the NCC’s findings indicate that some people have far exceeded this limit, raising concerns about the potential misuse of these SIM cards.
In a statement signed by Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, the Commission emphasized the need to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs and strengthen national security.
“Through collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the NCC has uncovered alarming cases where individuals possessed an unusually high number of SIM cards—some exceeding 100,000,” the statement read.
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The telecom regulator stressed that linking all SIM cards to NINs is crucial for bolstering the security and trust of Nigeria’s digital economy.
By ensuring that all mobile users are verified, the policy aims to enhance confidence in digital transactions, mitigate fraud and cybercrime risks, and support the growth of e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services.
The NCC added that these measures would further promote financial inclusion and drive economic growth.The NCC also reminded the public that selling or purchasing pre-registered SIMs is a criminal offense punishable by fines and imprisonment.
It urged Nigerians to report any such activities to the Commission through its toll-free line or social media platforms.The revelation of this unusual SIM card ownership comes as the NCC announces a final deadline of September 14, 2024, for all telecom subscribers to link their SIMs with their NIN and get them verified.
The Commission warned that any SIM cards not linked by the deadline would be blocked by network operators starting September 15, 2024.
This announcement follows the temporary barring of millions of lines in late July after subscribers missed the initial July 31 deadline.
The NCC has since granted an extension to allow subscribers more time to complete their NIN-SIM linkage.With the September deadline looming, the NCC reiterated its expectation that every SIM operating in Nigeria would be linked to a valid NIN by mid-September to enhance national security and ensure the integrity of mobile communications across the country.
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