The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially announced the successful completion of the National Identification Number (NIN) linkage to all phone numbers across the country. This significant milestone was confirmed by the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, Aminu Maida, during the 2024 Annual Corporate Governance Conference held in Lagos.
The NIN-SIM linkage initiative, a federal government policy initiated in 2020, aimed to enhance national security and streamline the identification process for mobile phone users. With this completion, every phone number in Nigeria is now associated with a verified NIN, ensuring accountability and traceability in mobile communications.
In his address, Maida acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerians throughout the linkage process. “Though it was a bit painful for Nigerians, I think we also need to appreciate what this does for us,” he stated. He emphasized that this initiative is crucial for reducing crime and enhancing national security. “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,” he added.
The NCC had previously set September 14, 2024, as the final deadline for all mobile phone subscribers to complete their NIN-SIM linkage. As of that date, over 153 million SIMs had been successfully linked to NINs, reflecting an impressive compliance rate of approximately 96%. This marks a substantial increase from earlier figures and demonstrates the commitment of both the government and citizens to comply with national security measures.
Looking ahead, Maida highlighted ongoing collaborations with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to establish frameworks that address fraud-related issues associated with mobile financial transactions. He noted that mobile channels are increasingly becoming essential for banking transactions and stressed the need for stronger consequences when phone numbers are used in fraudulent activities.
The completion of this linkage is expected to bolster efforts against insecurity and enhance the overall integrity of telecommunications in Nigeria. The NCC continues to urge all citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities associated with mobile numbers.