T he ongoing National Identity Number (NIN) and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) linkage policy has once again stirred public discontent, revealing deeper issues within Nigeria’s governmental and regulatory frameworks. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) mandated that all mobile phone users link their NINs to their SIM cards to bolster national security and curb criminal activities. However, this initiative has been marred by inefficiency, causing significant disruptions for many Nigerians.
Since its introduction in December 2022, the NIN-SIM linkage policy aimed to create a comprehensive Know-Your-Customer (KYC) framework to combat identity theft, kidnapping, cybercrime, and other illicit activities. Despite its noble intentions, the implementation process has been fraught with challenges, including multiple missed deadlines and technical issues.
Recent developments saw a fresh wave of outrage as telecommunications companies began blocking SIM cards not linked with their owners’ NINs, just ahead of the July 31 deadline set by the NCC. This move led to widespread confusion and frustration among Nigerians whose daily activities, businesses, and personal communications were abruptly interrupted. Many phone users flocked to customer care centers across various states, seeking to restore access to their blocked lines, which led to widespread protests and heightened discontent.
The NIN-SIM linkage policy was designed to address security concerns, as unregistered SIMs were previously used for criminal activities, including ransom demands by kidnappers. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, highlighted that between April and June 2023, 214 kidnappings and 141 terror cases were recorded, many involving unregistered SIMs.
The NCC asserts that Nigeria loses approximately $500 million annually to cybercrime, further emphasizing the need for stringent KYC procedures. The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) reported that as of April 2024, 105 million Nigerians had enrolled for NIN, while the NCC stated that there were 219 million active mobile subscriptions in the first quarter of 2024.
The policy’s enforcement saw over 72.77 million active lines barred in April 2022. With the recent directive extending the deadline for SIM-NIN linkage to July 13, 2024, it is estimated that over 40 million lines may have been barred between February and April 2024.
Despite some success in linking SIMs to NINs, many Nigerians have faced issues with their registrations, leading to further public frustration. The current state of the NIN registration centers, characterized by overcrowding, poor internet connectivity, and erratic power supplies, exacerbates the problem. Additionally, citizens have reported instances of extortion during the registration process.
The temporary respite provided by the NCC’s recent order to restore blocked lines does little to address the fundamental issues of inefficiency and poor execution. There is an urgent need for improved collaboration between the NCC and NIMC, as well as enhanced accountability from telecommunications providers.
Moving forward, it is essential for the government to streamline the NIN-SIM linkage process and ensure that all biometric databases are secure from breaches. Efforts must also be made to harmonize the various existing databases to prevent future disruptions and ensure a more efficient system for all subscribers.
Nigerians deserve a seamless and effective registration process, free from the inconveniences and inefficiencies that have plagued the current implementation.
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