In a recent media briefing held in Lagos, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) shed light on the issue of telecoms consumers having their SIM cards barred despite successfully linking them to their National Identification Numbers (NINs). According to the NCC, the root cause of this problem lies in the duplication of NINs within the national identity ecosystem by third-party agents.
Numerous telecoms subscribers in Lagos have reported receiving multiple SMS reminders from their network providers regarding discrepancies in their SIM-NIN linkage, despite having completed the process years ago. Some consumers have also expressed frustration over their mobile phone lines being unexpectedly barred by telcos, despite having diligently linked their NINs with their SIM cards over time.
To address these concerns, Mr. Efosa Idehen, the Director of Compliance at NCC, provided insight into the issue. He explained that the problem arises from SIMs that were initially registered with duplicated NINs, which subsequently led to complications during the system audit. The actual owners of the duplicated NINs are now reclaiming them through the auditing process.
Idehen further highlighted the prevalence of fraudulent activities surrounding SIM-NIN linkage, particularly for financial gain. He acknowledged that while individuals may register their SIMs and attempt to link them with their NINs, the agents involved in the registration process often cause significant damage. The NCC aims to rectify this situation and ensure that there is no doubt about the legitimate ownership of SIM cards.
The NCC’s clarification provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by telecoms consumers regarding SIM-NIN linkage. By addressing the issue of duplicated NINs and fraudulent practices, the NCC seeks to enhance the integrity and reliability of the telecommunications industry, ultimately fostering a more secure and trustworthy environment for subscribers.