NATIONAL IDENTITY POLICY FOR SIM CARD REGISTRATION

A Policy requires the linking of all mobile SIM cards to verified National Identity Numbers for activation. It targets all mobile phone subscribers and network operators in Nigeria. This aims to reduce fraud and enhance national security.

What Is This Policy?

A policy requiring the linking of all mobile SIM cards to verified National Identity Numbers (NIN) as a mandatory condition for SIM card activation, ensuring every mobile subscriber has a verified identity on the network.

Who Does It Target?

All mobile phone subscribers in Nigeria Mobile network operators (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile) NIMC managing the NIN database NCC as the telecoms regulator

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Curb SIM-based fraud, terrorism financing, and criminal communications by ensuring every SIM card is linked to a verified identity, while improving national identity management.

Key Features

NIN-SIM Linkage: All active SIM cards must be linked to the subscriber's NIN in the NIMC database. MNO Compliance: Mobile operators must verify NIN before activating SIMs and deactivate unlinked SIMs after deadlines. Multiple SIM Limit: Policy establishes limits on the number of SIMs that can be linked to a single NIN. NIMC Database: NIN verification is conducted through the NIMC central identity database.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active — linkage completed; unlinked SIMs deactivated Coverage: All mobile subscribers in Nigeria Beneficiaries: National security; fraud prevention; identity management Funding: Federal Government; MNO compliance costs

How to Access

Existing subscribers: link your SIM to your NIN at MNO service centres New SIMs: NIN required at point of purchase — no SIM activated without NIN Multiple SIMs: all SIMs on different networks must be linked to the same NIN Application method: Link your SIM at any MNO service centre or through USSD codes (*996#).

Important Terms

Unlinked SIMs have been deactivated following NCC deadlines NIN can be enrolled at NIMC offices or through licensed agents SIM-NIN linkage data is confidential and may not be shared without lawful authority

Impact & Metrics

Over 200 million SIM-NIN linkages completed by 2023, creating one of Africa's largest biometric identity databases.

Official Resources

Website: https://www.nimc.gov.ng Contact: National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) / NCC

Legal Framework

The National Identity Policy for SIM Card Registration operates under the NIMC Act 2007, the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, and the Mandatory NIN Use Regulations 2015 and 2017. It aligns with the Data Protection Act 2023, the Cybercrimes Act 2015, the NCC SIM Registration Regulations, and the GSMA Mobile Identity guidelines on linking SIM registration to national identity systems for anti-fraud and security purposes.