NCC Sets September 14, 2024, as Final Deadline for Compliance with NIN-SIM Linkage.

In statement released by Reuben Muoka, NCC Director, Public Affairs.

He stated, “The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is pleased to announce significant progress in the Federal Government’s 2020 policy to link all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs). To date, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to a NIN, reflecting an impressive compliance rate of 96 per cent, a substantial increase from 69.7 per cent in January 2024.

“As we approach the final phase of this critical process, the NCC seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 per cent compliance. The complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing the trust and security of our digital economy. By verifying all mobile users, this 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.

“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 Commission also 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.

“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 NCC also reminds the public that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines. We encourage citizens to report any such activities to the Commission via our toll-free line (622) or through our social media platforms.

“The Commission thanks the general public for its continued cooperation as we work together to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”

SMEDAN cautions against scammers

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has cautioned the public not to patronize a fake site which claimed the agency has a loan package of between N10,000 and N100 million for enterprises in Nigeria.

SMEDAN’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Alhaji Moshood Lawal issued the advisory in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

According to Lawal, the fake site on social media platforms claims that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and SMEDAN have a loan package of between N10,000 and N100 million for enterprises in the country.
“SMEDAN wishes to state unequivocally that the site is fake and there was never any such loans in any of it’s programs and activities.”

Lawal added that SMEDAN had not signed any agreement or entered into any collaboration with the CBN for any loan of that nature.

“The general public should therefore disregard the information in its entirety in order to avoid the trap of scammers and their antics,’’ he said.

Lawal advised the public to always verify information regarding the activities and programs of SMEDAN through its official website, or states and zonal offices across the country.

He said that verifiable information could also be obtained from SMEDAN Corporate Headquarters at Idu Industrial Layout, Abuja.

Lawal warned scammers to desist from their nefarious act, adding that that efforts were on to track and hand them over to relevant security agencies.