Identity theft has been a major challenge faced by Nigeria as it intensifies efforts to address the surging insecurity and other criminality which has cashed into the poorly regulated SIM card registration.
It is not uncommon for criminals to use SIM cards registered under different names to aid in their illegal activities. For example, kidnappers often use unregistered SIM cards or ones registered under false names to demand ransom from their victims’ families.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been making efforts to address this issue which has remained a threat to the country’s internal and external security.
In an interaction with the Director Public Affairs of the NCC, Dr Rueben Mouka, he said the major step taken by the NCC to address identity theft is the initiation of the mandatory linking of the National Identity Number with individual’s sim cards.
Apart from this huge step, the NCC had also taken more steps to address this issue and secure individuals from criminal elements.
The NCC had initiated the mandatory registration of sim cards and even took more steps to ensure that all the sims are linked to the individual’s National Identity Number (NIN). This move is very strategic because once you have a NIN, your data would have been in possession of the government. This will reduce identity theft.
The NCC mandated telecom operators to register all SIM cards with valid identification documents such as the National Identification Number (NIN). This helps in linking phone numbers to individuals, reducing the chances of criminals using unregistered lines for fraudulent activities.
The NCC is also supporting the government’s drive to integrate SIM cards with the National Identity Number (NIN) database. This ensures that every mobile phone user in Nigeria is properly identified, making it more difficult for fraudsters to impersonate others or engage in identity theft.
The NCC has also taken a step further to work closely with law enforcement agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Police Force to track and apprehend individuals involved in identity theft and cybercrime.
To ensure that Nigerians are carried along in this strategic move, the NCC is currently running an awareness campaign to educate the public on how to protect their personal data, avoid sharing sensitive information with strangers, and recognize common tactics used in identity theft schemes.
The NCC has also implemented policies that require telecom companies to protect subscriber data from unauthorized access. These regulations aim to ensure that personal information is not leaked or misused by third parties.
The Commission is also promoting capacity building in cybersecurity through training and collaboration with local and international bodies. This helps improve the country’s ability to prevent and respond to identity theft incidents.
Recently, the NCC announced September 14, 2024 as the final deadline for full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy. At the expiration of the grace period, the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are expected to disconnect all the sims that are not linked with NIN.
A statement signed by the Director Public Affairs of the NCC, Reuben Mouka said that effective September 15, 2024, the Commission expects that no SIM operating in Nigeria will be without a valid NIN.
The Commission also announced that over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to a NIN, reflecting a compliance rate of 96 per cent, a substantial increase from 69.7 per cent in January 2024.
“As we approach the final phase of this critical process, the NCC seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 per cent compliance. The complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing the trust and security of our digital economy.
“By verifying all mobile users, this policy strengthens confidence in digital transactions, reduces the risk of fraud and cybercrime, and supports greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services. This, in turn, promotes financial inclusion and drives economic growth.
“Through collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the NCC has uncovered alarming cases where individuals possessed an unusually high number of SIM cards—some exceeding 100,000.
“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.
“We urge all members of the public who have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage, or who have faced issues due to verification mismatches, to visit their service providers promptly to update their details before the deadline. Alternatively, the approved self-service portals are available for this purpose.
“The NCC also reminds the public that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines. We encourage citizens to report any such activities to the Commission via our toll-free line (622) or through our social media platforms”, the statement noted.
