• About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy
Friday, July 18, 2025
Umpirenews | Latest News, Politics, Breaking News, Nigeria and African history
Advertisement
  • National
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Editorial
  • Opinion
  • Columns
No Result
View All Result
  • National
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Editorial
  • Opinion
  • Columns
No Result
View All Result
Umpirenews | Latest News, Politics, Breaking News, Nigeria and African history
No Result
View All Result

NCC Concludes Mandatory Registration Process for NIN-SIM Linkage

Vincent Amadi by Vincent Amadi
October 12, 2024
in Economy
Reading Time: 5 mins read
A A
0
NCC Concludes Mandatory Registration Process for NIN-SIM Linkage
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on WhatsappShare on EmailShare on Telegram

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that it has successfully completed the implementation of the federal government’s directive to link all phone numbers across the country to a National Identification Number (NIN).

This initiative, aimed at improving national security and accountability, was part of a broader policy first introduced in 2020.

The NCC has now confirmed that every phone number in Nigeria is linked to a verified NIN, a critical milestone that has been a key focus of the government over the past few years.
Speaking at the 2024 Annual Corporate Governance Conference in Lagos, Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, highlighted the importance of the NIN-SIM linkage and acknowledged the difficulties faced by Nigerians throughout the process.

He emphasized that while the policy may have been challenging for many citizens, the benefits of having such a system in place are undeniable.
“We have recently concluded the implementation of the federal government’s 2020 policy of linking every phone number to a NIN,” Maida announced during his speech. He went on to admit that the process had not been without its challenges, stating, “Though it was a bit painful for Nigerians, I think we also need to appreciate what that does for us.”
The NIN-SIM linkage has now made it possible for all phone numbers in the country to be associated with a verified national identity, which Maida believes is a substantial achievement.

“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 said.

This level of verification allows authorities to more easily trace phone numbers back to individuals, improving accountability and helping to combat various forms of crime.
Maida also addressed concerns that some people might have about the authenticity of the identities linked to phone numbers, noting that while there may be some skepticism, the system provides an important foundation for identifying users and enforcing accountability.

He explained, “If this phone number is involved in fraud or any crime, I can now authoritatively say, based on the NIN linked to it, this is the person who is using that phone number.”
The initiative to link SIM cards to NINs was first launched in December 2020, following a directive from the federal government. The policy required all telecommunication companies in Nigeria to block any SIM cards that were not registered and linked to a valid NIN.

Prior to this, the NCC had struggled to fully enforce the policy, as deadlines were repeatedly extended to allow more Nigerians to comply with the directive.
Initially, the policy faced resistance and implementation hurdles. Many Nigerians found it difficult to comply with the directive due to various factors, such as limited access to NIN registration centers and technical challenges.

However, the government, recognizing the importance of the initiative, continued to revise the deadlines to give citizens additional time to complete the process.

After several extensions, the NCC finally set September 14 as the final deadline for the NIN-SIM linkage, following an earlier attempt to block unlinked SIM cards in July, which had sparked violence in certain areas of the country.
Despite these challenges, the NCC now considers the NIN-SIM linkage initiative a success. The ability to trace phone numbers to verified identities represents a crucial step in addressing issues of fraud and insecurity in Nigeria.

By ensuring that every active phone number is tied to a registered identity, the government hopes to reduce criminal activity that involves mobile phones, such as scams, fraud, and other illegal practices.
During his address, Maida also highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the NCC and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to create a more robust framework for addressing fraud-related activities, particularly in mobile financial transactions.

He noted that mobile phones are increasingly being used as primary tools for conducting banking transactions, either through mobile banking apps or USSD codes.

This growing reliance on mobile channels for financial services has, in turn, made it critical to ensure that these systems are secure and that any fraudulent activities can be traced back to the individuals responsible.
“A lot of the time, the channels for financial services are your mobile, and it comes down to that phone number that is used to either perform a banking transaction over a mobile app or a USSD transaction,” Maida explained.

He acknowledged that the current system still has some weaknesses, particularly when it comes to enforcing consequences for those who use phone numbers to commit fraud.

“Today, we have to admit where we are. We could do a lot better because there are not very strong consequences when a phone number is used to perpetrate fraud,” he said.
Maida also pointed out that the same phone numbers used to commit financial fraud could potentially be involved in other sectors, such as pensions, further emphasizing the need for stronger measures to tackle fraud across different industries.

This, he said, is an area where the NCC plans to focus its efforts moving forward, ensuring that fraudulent activities tied to mobile phone numbers are addressed comprehensively.
The successful completion of the NIN-SIM linkage is a major achievement for the NCC and the Nigerian government. While the process may have been difficult for many citizens, it has laid the foundation for greater security and accountability in the telecommunications and financial sectors.

With ongoing efforts to strengthen the framework for mobile financial transactions and combat fraud, the NCC aims to continue improving the digital landscape in Nigeria, ensuring that mobile phones are used responsibly and transparently across all sectors.

Vincent Amadi

Vincent Amadi

Related Posts

Nigerian Stock Market Gains N833bn as Dangote, BUA Lead Rally
Economy

Nigerian Stock Market Gains N833bn as Dangote, BUA Lead Rally

17 hours ago
Dangote Refinery Begins Distribution of Petrol Nationwide
Economy

Marketers kick against Dangote’s plan to crash price of cooking gas

3 days ago
Senate Threatens Arrest of NNPCL Boss over missing N210 Trillion
Economy

Senate Threatens Arrest of NNPCL Boss over missing N210 Trillion

3 weeks ago
IPMAN: Dangote’s New Delivery Plan Will Bring Cheaper Fuel to Nigerians’s
Economy

IPMAN: Dangote’s New Delivery Plan Will Bring Cheaper Fuel to Nigerians’s

4 weeks ago

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

NATIONS NEWS

Public Health Alert: NCDC warns of yellow fever, dengue, cholera outbreak as flood risks
National

Public Health Alert: NCDC warns of yellow fever, dengue, cholera outbreak as flood risks

7 hours ago
Tinubu appoints IBB’s son as Chairman, Bank of Agriculture
National

Tinubu appoints IBB’s son as Chairman, Bank of Agriculture

7 hours ago
Nigerian Stock Market Gains N833bn as Dangote, BUA Lead Rally
Economy

Nigerian Stock Market Gains N833bn as Dangote, BUA Lead Rally

17 hours ago
Breaking: Momodu resigns from PDP, joins ADC
National

2027: ADC won’t play catch-up to APC — Dele Momodu

17 hours ago
NELFUND Disburses ₦73.2bn in Interest-Free Student Loans Across Nigeria
National

NELFUND Disburses ₦73.2bn in Interest-Free Student Loans Across Nigeria

1 day ago
INEC Extends Anambra Voter Registration by Three Days
National

INEC Extends Anambra Voter Registration by Three Days

1 day ago

POLITICS

Breaking: Momodu resigns from PDP, joins ADC

Breaking: Momodu resigns from PDP, joins ADC

2 days ago
Breaking News: Former vice president Atiku Abubakar resigns from PDP

Breaking News: Former vice president Atiku Abubakar resigns from PDP

2 days ago
Kwankwaso asserts refraining from making comments on political events

Kwankwaso Not Leaving NNPP for ADC – Dungurawa Clears the Air

4 days ago
ADC Accuses Tinubu of Plotting to Derail 2027 Momentum Through Courts

ADC Accuses Tinubu of Plotting to Derail 2027 Momentum Through Courts

5 days ago
ADC Questions President Tinubu’s Five-Day Disappearance After 2025 BRICS Summit in Brazil

ADC Questions President Tinubu’s Five-Day Disappearance After 2025 BRICS Summit in Brazil

5 days ago
2027: APC chieftain warns opposition leaders and ADC against reckless statements

2027: APC chieftain warns opposition leaders and ADC against reckless statements

5 days ago

YOUR ECONOMY

Nigerian Stock Market Gains N833bn as Dangote, BUA Lead Rally
Economy

Nigerian Stock Market Gains N833bn as Dangote, BUA Lead Rally

17 hours ago
Dangote Refinery Begins Distribution of Petrol Nationwide
Economy

Marketers kick against Dangote’s plan to crash price of cooking gas

3 days ago
Senate Threatens Arrest of NNPCL Boss over missing N210 Trillion
Economy

Senate Threatens Arrest of NNPCL Boss over missing N210 Trillion

3 weeks ago
IPMAN: Dangote’s New Delivery Plan Will Bring Cheaper Fuel to Nigerians’s
Economy

IPMAN: Dangote’s New Delivery Plan Will Bring Cheaper Fuel to Nigerians’s

4 weeks ago
Enforce Transparent Pump Pricing, oil marketers Cheating Nigerians, PENGASSAN laments
Economy

Enforce Transparent Pump Pricing, oil marketers Cheating Nigerians, PENGASSAN laments

1 month ago
PETROAN kicks against Dangote’s petrol distribution strategy
Economy

PETROAN kicks against Dangote’s petrol distribution strategy

1 month ago

E & P

Atalanta rejects Inter Milan’s €40m bid for Ademola Lookman
Sports

Atalanta rejects Inter Milan’s €40m bid for Ademola Lookman

by Steven Atogi
17 hours ago
0

Inter Milan has shown interest in signing Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman from Atalanta. The Serie A club, Atalanta, on Thursday,...

Update: Speed Darlington sues NAPTIP, demands N3billion for alleged damages

Update: Speed Darlington sues NAPTIP, demands N3billion for alleged damages

2 days ago
Victor Osimhen Transfer Drama Escalates as Napoli Rejects Galatasaray’s Third Bid

Osimhen Asks Napoli to Clear Path for Galatasaray Move – Mustafa Göksu

4 days ago
Victor Osimhen Transfer Drama Escalates as Napoli Rejects Galatasaray’s Third Bid

Victor Osimhen Transfer Drama Escalates as Napoli Rejects Galatasaray’s Third Bid

1 week ago
Oliseh Warns Osimhen Against Galatasaray Return, Urges Premier League Move

Oliseh Warns Osimhen Against Galatasaray Return, Urges Premier League Move

1 week ago
Just In: Osimhen agrees on personal terms with Galatasaray, rejects Al Hilal €75m bid

Just In: Osimhen agrees on personal terms with Galatasaray, rejects Al Hilal €75m bid

2 weeks ago

YOUR THOUGHT & HISTORY

A Democracy Strained: Buhari’s Human Rights Record and the Repression of Dissent
Columns

A Democracy Strained: Buhari’s Human Rights Record and the Repression of Dissent

by Odini Brains
3 days ago
El-Rufai Plans New Party as ADC Backup Against APC Interference
Columns

The Shadow Strategist: El-Rufai, the Illusion of Power, and 2027’s Looming Reckoning

by Odini Brains
2 weeks ago
Columns

Kidnapped, Silenced, Vindicated: The Full Impact of Kanu’s Judgment

by Odini Brains
3 weeks ago
The Emerging Kogi: Economic Growth Impact Transforming Better Reality
Columns

The Emerging Kogi: Economic Growth Impact Transforming Better Reality

by Kiikpoye Karibo
3 weeks ago
ON THE PUBLIC NUISANCE CALLED SOWORE
Opinion

ON THE PUBLIC NUISANCE CALLED SOWORE

by Kiikpoye Karibo
5 months ago

Who we are

Umpirenews | Latest News, Politics, Breaking News, Nigeria and African history

Welcome to Umpire News, your go-to online newspaper dedicated to broadening perspectives and expanding the horizons of our numerous readers. Read more

Browse by Category

  • Columns
  • Economy
  • Editorial
  • Entertainment
  • International
  • National
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Trends

Recent News

Public Health Alert: NCDC warns of yellow fever, dengue, cholera outbreak as flood risks

Public Health Alert: NCDC warns of yellow fever, dengue, cholera outbreak as flood risks

July 18, 2025
Tinubu appoints IBB’s son as Chairman, Bank of Agriculture

Tinubu appoints IBB’s son as Chairman, Bank of Agriculture

July 18, 2025
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy

© 2024 Copyright Umpirenews. All rights reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • National
  • Economy
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Editorial
  • Opinion
  • Columns

© 2024 Copyright Umpirenews. All rights reserved

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
🤑Join & Get Our Easter Gifts 🤑

Enter your NAME & Email NOW!!

Be among the 1st 100 lucky WINNERS to win our Amazing GIFTs this Easter Period as you READ our Daily hot NEWs & make meaningful comments and follow us on our social media handles.

Name
Enter your email address