The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its call for telecom consumers to link their Subscribers Identification Module (SIM) with their National Identity Number (NIN) by end of February, noting that it is a matter of critical national security.
The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, who made the call during the NCC Special Day at the ongoing 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair, said the essence of linking the SIM with NIN number was not only designed to authenticate and protect subscribers’ identity, but to help improve national security across the country.
He added that any subscriber whose phone lines are not linked to their NINs on or before Wednesday February 28, 2024 will be barred from receiving or making calls.
“One major objective of linking subscribers’ NIN to SIM is to help improve and enhance national security across the country. As a matter of critical national security, telecom consumers must link their NIN to the SIM. To this end, the commission has directed all telecommunication operators to bar phone lines of subscribers whose lines are not linked to their NINs on or before February 28, 2024.”
The NCC Executive Vice Chairman, who was represented by the NCC Director of Public Affairs, Mr Reuben Muoka, also stated that Nigeria has 224 million active mobile telecom subscribers, who are collectively contributing 13.5 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He said in view of telecoms contribution to the nation’s economic development, NCC is a regulatory agency in the telecommunications industry.
“As of 2023, the telecoms industry’s contribution to the nation’s GDP stood at 13.5% (Source – Nigerian Gross Domestic Product Report November 2023 – A publication of the National Bureau of Statistics). Conversely, as we promote economic growth through development of local content, we must also address the challenges faced by consumers and NCC is committed to protecting their rights while ensuring their satisfaction,” he said.
