SIM Registration: NCC Highlights Benefit of Linking Your NIN to SIM

“Linking NIN to SIMS is For The Common Good of All Nigerians, as it has far reaching benefits” – NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has made clarification on the disconnection of telephone susbscribers, stating that the exercise of linking NIN to SIM(s) is for the good of all Nigerians.

The Commission releasing a statement today on their official website signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde explained that the release is coming as a result of wrong assumption of the public on the ongoing linkage of SIM Registration with the National Identity Number (NIN).

Explaining the need for the link, the Commission stated that there are erroneous assumption that for every network or SIM connection, there is one unique human subscriber.

“However, with the advent of social media and App-driven digital environment, network subscription went beyond human subscribers to include machines like PoS, Routers, Wi-Fi devices, electricity meters, CCTV, tracking devices etc.

“A recent survey conducted in Nigeria has shown that on average, there are now approximately 4 to 5 SIMs to every human subscriber. This explains the basis of allowing the linkage of up to 7 SIMs to 1 unique NIN in the recently launched Federal Government Portal.

“Thus, if there are 43 million Nigerians with NINs, this could account for about 172 million SIMs already linked to NINs. It is very important to emphasize that the current exercise of linking NIN to SIM(s) is for the common good of all Nigerians, as it has far reaching benefits.” It explained.

The Commission added that “Apart from enhancing our general safety, this will help in such vital exercises like National Budgeting, Policy Planning, Social Intervention programs and many more.”

The Honourable Minister of Communication and Digital Economy has assured that the Government will continue to review the exercise in the light of experiences to ensure its smooth implementation.