The Nigerian Government has recently uncovered alarming cases of individuals possessing an unusually high number of Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs), with some exceeding 100,000.
This revelation was made by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in a statement released on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Reuben Muoka.
The NCC, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has been investigating these cases.
The commission highlighted that the Number Identity Number (NIN) and SIM linkage policy, initiated in 2020, has been instrumental in enhancing digital transaction security, reducing fraud and cybercrime, and fostering greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services.
“This, in turn, promotes financial inclusion and drives economic growth,” the commission stated.
The NCC emphasised its commitment to working with stakeholders and security agencies to eliminate the sale of pre-registered SIMs, which pose a threat to national security.
“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,” it stated.
This development comes as the NCC has set September 14, 2024, as the final deadline for compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy.
The commission reiterated its dedication to collaborating with security agencies and stakeholders to address the issue of pre-registered SIMs, ensuring national security and the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.
“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,” it stated.
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