As the September 15 deadline for linking National Identification Number (NIN) to Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards approaches, subscribers are expressing growing frustration over the challenges they face in uploading their details on the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) portal.
The President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS), Adeolu Ogungbanjo, described the situation as “terrible” after visiting several telecom centers, including MTN and Airtel. He urged the NCC and NIMC to collaborate to improve the portal’s capacity, reduce congestion at telecom centers, and provide adequate support staff to ensure a seamless process.
Ogungbanjo highlighted that the congestion on the NIMC website often occurs due to high traffic, making it difficult for many subscribers to complete the linkage process. He emphasized that the current situation could hinder subscribers from meeting the deadline if not addressed promptly.
Despite over 153 million SIMs already linked to NINs, representing a 96% compliance rate, subscribers remain concerned about the remaining four percent who may not meet the deadline due to the ongoing challenges.
To address these concerns, the NIMC and NCC formed a strategic collaboration in March to enhance the NIN-SIM linkage processes. Both agencies have committed to raising public awareness through educational campaigns, training sessions, and the dissemination of accurate information to encourage compliance.
Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, clarified that the agency’s primary responsibility is to provide NINs to Nigerians and ensure telcos link them to SIM cards. He emphasized that NIMC centers are fully operational and have sufficient capacity to enroll and issue NINs. Adegoke also highlighted NIMC’s efforts to educate Nigerians on the NIN registration process through various social media platforms.
The NIN-SIM linkage policy was introduced in 2020 by the Nigerian government to enhance national security and reduce fraudulent activities. The NCC reiterated last month that the SIM-NIN linkage exercise aims to improve national security, the integrity of the mobile network, and curb fraudulent activities.
Leading telecom operators, MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa, have reported barring a combined 13.5 million lines in the first half of 2024 due to non-compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy. While MTN barred 8.6 million lines, Airtel announced that 8.7 million customers had been verified, with 4.9 million remaining unverified.
With the NIN-SIM linkage deadline fast approaching, subscribers are facing significant challenges in completing the process. The NIMC and NCC are urged to take immediate action to address the issues hindering the linkage, ensure a smooth process for all subscribers, and prevent further frustrations.
