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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a stern warning to telecommunication companies, emphasizing that failure to adhere to the directive to block Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards not linked to National Identification Numbers (NIN) will result in sanctions.
Reuben Mouka, Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, reaffirmed this stance during an interview with The PUNCH on Thursday. Mouka underscored that telecom operators are obligated to comply with the regulatory directive, and any defiance will lead to penalties.
“It is not an issue whether the telcos have started complying or not. We have asked to link the SIM cards to NIN. We have given our directives, and we expect compliance. So, if there is any evidence of non-compliance, what follows would be sanction,” stated Mouka.
When pressed about the commencement of these sanctions, Mouka clarified that the timing requires a regulatory process. However, he emphasized that any operator failing to comply will face consequences.
The telecom regulator had previously instructed telcos to deactivate approximately 12 million lines that were not linked to their owners’ NINs following the expiration of the February 28, 2024, deadline. Despite some extensions, the NCC has ruled out further prolongation of the deadline.
Telecom operators have aligned with the regulator’s directive to disconnect SIMs not linked to NIN. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, affirmed the industry’s commitment to compliance.
Adebayo stated, “About 12 million SIM cards may not have been linked to NIN… According to the regulatory directives, those numbers that are not properly linked to NIN will have services withdrawn by midnight today. We stand by that regulatory directive, and we are going to comply.”
The linkage between SIM cards and NINs was mandated by the federal government in December 2020 to bolster security measures. By restricting registration to a maximum of four SIMs per NIN, the government aims to enhance accountability and combat crime effectively.
The NCC’s directive aligns with efforts to ensure data-driven decisions and hold licensees accountable for service delivery. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, emphasized the importance of protecting consumer interests while enforcing compliance with regulatory obligations.
