By Martin Ekpeke
Nigeria’s mobile subscriber base has taken a significant hit, shrinking by over 30% after the September 2024 SIM-NIN linkage deadline.
Telecommunication companies in Nigeria have reported a loss of approximately 66 million SIM cards following the enforcement of the SIM-NIN linkage policy. This drastic reduction in active lines has brought the total number of mobile subscribers down to 153.32 million.
The stringent SIM-NIN linkage policy, implemented to enhance security and identify criminals, has led to the deactivation of numerous SIM cards that failed to meet the verification requirements. As a result, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has imposed a ban on SIM card registration for individuals under the age of 18.
Prior to the September deadline, the NCC had issued several warnings and extensions to encourage subscribers to link their SIM cards to their National Identification Numbers (NINs). Despite these efforts, a significant number of SIM cards remained unverified, ultimately leading to their deactivation.
The SIM-NIN linkage initiative, which began in 2020, has been a major undertaking for both telecom operators and subscribers. While it has contributed to improved security measures, it has also had a substantial impact on the nation’s telecommunications industry.