FG Uncovers Individuals With Over 100 SIM Cards

The Nigerian Government has announced that it has identified individuals possessing excessive Subscriber Identification Modules (SIM) cards, with some exceeding 100 in number.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), through its spokesperson, Reuben Muoka, revealed this information in a statement issued on Wednesday.

The commission indicated that, in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), it has discovered concerning instances where individuals hold an extraordinarily high number of SIM cards, with some cases surpassing 100,000.

The NCC further noted that the Number Identity Number and SIM linkage policy, initiated in 2020, enhances trust in digital transactions, mitigates the potential for fraud and cybercrime, and encourages increased engagement in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services.

“This, in turn, promotes financial inclusion and drives economic growth”, the commission stated.

NCC noted that it is committed to working with stakeholders and security agencies to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs that endanger national security.

“The Commission also remains committed to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs, thereby safeguarding national security and ensuring the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria”, the commission stated.

Naija News reports that the National Communications Commission (NCC) has established September 14, 2024, as the ultimate deadline for compliance with the linkage of National Identification Numbers (NIN) to Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards.

The NCC emphasized its dedication to collaborating with stakeholders and security agencies to combat the distribution of pre-registered SIM cards that threaten national security.

Furthermore, the Commission reiterated its commitment to partnering with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to eliminate the sale of pre-registered SIMs, thereby protecting national security and maintaining the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.