The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has identified individuals possessing an unusually high number of Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs), with some cases exceeding 100 SIM cards.
The NCC spokesperson, Reuben Muoka in a statement on Wednesday reported that, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), discovered instances where individuals held an alarmingly large number of SIM cards, in some cases, over 100,000.
The NCC highlighted that the National Identification Number (NIN) and SIM card linkage policy, launched in 2020, has been crucial in enhancing digital transaction security, reducing fraud and cybercrime, and fostering greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services. This initiative is also seen as a way to promote financial inclusion and stimulate economic growth.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with stakeholders and security agencies to eliminate the sale of pre-registered SIM cards, which pose a threat to national security. The NCC emphasized its efforts to ensure the integrity of mobile numbers across Nigeria.
The development comes ahead of a final compliance deadline of September 14, 2024, set by the NCC for the NIN-SIM linkage. The commission reiterated its dedication to maintaining a secure mobile network environment in the country.
