Confirmation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) indicates that the deadline to restrict individuals with more than four SIM cards, whose SIM registration details do not match their National Identity Number (NIN) information, will not be reconsidered.
A reliable source within the Commission clarified that the decision was made to cleanse the country’s SIM ownership database and prevent criminals from exploiting multiple unlinked SIMs for illicit activities.
“We are resolute in our stance. March 29th is non-negotiable. Our priority is to eliminate the misuse of multiple SIM cards with unverified NIN data. There have been instances of individuals having over 10,000 lines connected to a single NIN. What is the purpose of such a large number of lines?”
“Our preliminary investigations reveal that these line owners did not obtain them for lawful reasons.”
“Sufficient time was given to choose which lines to retain and which to discard, yet they failed to comply. All lines with unverified NINs will be deactivated. Subscribers must then select their preferred lines and provide accurate NIN details through their respective service providers.”
“While some may claim the need for lines for purposes like car tracking or IoTs, exemptions already exist for such services. They are not subject to the ‘Max-4 Rule.’
“No country allows the possession of 1,000 SIM cards solely for communication.”
The Max-4 Rule, introduced by the Federal Government in April 2021, limits subscribers to a maximum of four lines per mobile network operator.
The NCC has granted Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) an extension until July 31st, 2024, to verify submitted NINs from subscribers with four or fewer SIMs and deactivate those with unverifiable NINs from NIMC.
An informed source in the Commission disclosed that the decision was reached during a crucial meeting to evaluate requests from major MNOs seeking an extension for NIN verification.
The source also mentioned that the Commission is considering approving an online application solution for MNOs to allow subscribers with biometric mismatch issues to update their records and for existing subscribers to register additional lines.