Mobile Phone Subscribers Shrink 30% As SIM-NIN Policy Takes Effect

Nigeria’s active mobile subscriber base saw a significant drop, falling by 30.09 per cent to 153.32 million as of September 2024, following the conclusion of the SIM-NIN linkage mandate.

Telecommunication providers reported a loss of 65.98 million subscribers, marking a decline from 219.3 million in March 2024 to 153.32 million by September 14, 2024.

The decline was largely due to the deactivation of Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) not linked to a verified National Identification Number (NIN) by the mandated deadline.

The SIM-NIN linkage initiative, aimed at enhancing security and identifying potential criminal elements, now requires that all SIM users have a verified NIN, with registration restricted to individuals over the age of 18. This move reinforces that SIM registration represents a legal contract, valid only for adults.

Earlier, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), over 153 million SIMs have now been successfully linked to a NIN, achieving a compliance rate of 96 percent, up from 69.7 percent in January 2024.

In collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the NCC disclosed that it has discovered multiple cases of excessive SIM ownership, with some individuals reportedly holding over 100,000 SIM cards. To maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s mobile network, the NCC emphasised its commitment to working with security agencies to eliminate the sale of pre-registered SIMs.

The NCC urged Nigerians who still need to complete their NIN-SIM linkage, or those with verification issues, to update their details promptly through service providers or approved self-service portals. It also reiterated that the sale or purchase of pre-registered SIMs is illegal and encouraged the public to report any such incidents via its toll-free line, 622, or through its social media channels.