The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has successfully linked all phone numbers to National Identification Numbers (NIN), marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to enhance security and curb crime.
This development was announced by NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, at the 2024 Annual Corporate Governance Conference in Lagos.
Maida acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerians during the linkage process but emphasized its benefits. “We have recently concluded the implementation of the federal government’s 2020 policy of linking every phone number to a NIN,” he said. “Though it was a bit painful for Nigerians, I think we also need to appreciate what that does for us. Today, there is no phone number that we cannot associate with a verified NIN. Not just a number, but a number that has been verified”.
As of August 2024, over 153 million SIMs were successfully linked to NIN, reflecting an impressive compliance rate of 96%. This significant progress was achieved after the NCC set September 14, 2024, as the final deadline for the SIM-NIN linkage exercise. The commission had warned that all unlinked lines would be blocked by network operators after the deadline.
The NCC’s efforts to link NIN to SIM cards aim to create a secure and reliable database of mobile phone users in Nigeria. This initiative is expected to reduce crimes related to mobile phone usage, such as kidnappings, bombings, and armed robberies.
With the completion of the NIN-SIM linkage, Nigeria takes a crucial step towards enhancing national security and promoting a culture of accountability. The NCC’s achievement demonstrates its commitment to implementing policies that benefit the nation and its citizens.
