The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has discovered cases where individual Nigerians have registered over 100,000 SIM lines under their names. This discovery was made in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) through the ongoing NIN-SIM linkage exercise.
Under the NIN-SIM linkage policy, each individual can register four SIM cards per network operator. This limit excludes SIMs that may be used for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as wearables and trackers.
Tackling Insecurity and Fraud
The NCC suggests that individuals with an unusually high number of SIM cards could pose a security threat to the country. To address this, the Commission plans to continue working with security agencies and other stakeholders to crack down on selling pre-registered SIMs, safeguard national security, and ensure the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.
“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,” said the Commission in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka.
The telecom regulator emphasized that fully linking all SIM cards to National Identification Numbers (NINs) is essential to enhance trust and security in the nation’s digital economy. According to the Commission, 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. This would also promote financial inclusion and drive economic growth.
The NCC also reminded the public that selling and purchasing pre-registered SIMs are criminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines. It urged Nigerians to report such activities to the Commission through its toll-free line or social media platforms.
Recall
The discovery of the unusual ownership of SIM lines was announced alongside the NCC’s September 14, 2024, deadline for all telecom subscribers to link their SIMs with their NINs and verify them.
Telecom operators barred millions of lines in late July ahead of the NCC’s initial July 31 deadline. However, the regulator later ordered the telecom companies to unbar those lines and granted subscribers additional time to complete their NIN-SIM linkage.
With the final deadline set, the NCC expects that no SIM operating in Nigeria will lack a valid NIN by September 15, 2024. This means that network operators will block any lines not linked by September 14.
