The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has revealed disturbing cases of SIM card hoarding, with some individuals possessing over 100,000 SIM cards. Reuben Muoka, NCC Director of Public Affairs, highlighted the national security risks posed by such extensive SIM ownership and stressed the importance of completing the National Identification Number (NIN) and SIM linkage process.This discovery has exposed significant flaws in SIM registration and underlines the urgency of enforcing the Federal Government’s 2020 policy mandating the NIN-SIM linkage. Currently, more than 153 million SIMs have been linked to NINs, achieving a 96% compliance rate, up from 69.7% in January 2024.The NCC, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has found cases where individuals held an excessive number of SIM cards. To address this, the NCC is intensifying efforts to combat the sale of pre-registered SIMs and enhance national security.The Commission has mandated that all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) complete the SIM-NIN linkage by September 14, 2024. From September 15, 2024, it expects that all SIMs in Nigeria will be linked to a valid NIN, ensuring improved security and integrity of mobile networks.
