The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said that SIM cards not linked to a National Identity Number (NIN) will be disconnected by September 14, 2024.
The commission said this in a statement signed by the Director, of Public Affairs Reuben Muoka on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.
The announcement comes as the Commission reports a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s 2020 policy, with over 153 million SIMs already linked to NINs, reflecting a 96% compliance rate.
The NCC has urged the remaining mobile users to take immediate action to ensure their SIMs are linked before the deadline.
The Commission emphasized that effective September 15, 2024, any SIM card not linked to a valid NIN will be deactivated, in line with efforts to enhance national security and strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
NCC said, “To ensure full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy, the NCC has directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by September 14, 2024.
“Effective September 15, 2024, the Commission expects that no SIM operating in Nigeria will be without a valid NIN.
“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 Commission has directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to finalize the verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by the set deadline and continues to work with security agencies to curb the sale of pre-registered SIMs.
Citizens who encounter issues with the linkage process are advised to visit their service providers or use approved self-service portals to update their details before the September 14 deadline.
The NCC also encouraged the public to report any illegal sale of pre-registered SIMs through their toll-free line (622) or via social media.
