By Adedapo Adesanya
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have announced a strategic collaboration to enhance the National Identification Number(NIN)-SIM linkage processes.
This was disclosed in a joint statement signed by the Technical Adviser, Media, and Communications to the DG/CEO of NIMC, Mr Ayodele Babalola, and the Director of Public Affairs, NCC, Mr Reuben Muoka.
The NIN-SIM linkage exercise has received criticism due to the long process and constant need to harmonise data on the end of consumers with the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) threatening to drag the NCC to court if it failed to reverse its directive to telecommunication companies to bar telephone lines.
Now, both commissions said they were committed to improving processes and enhancing efficiency saying it is necessary to enhance security and improve service delivery,
Furthermore, the agencies in the partnership prioritise the interests of Nigerians and promote national development.
“By pooling our resources and expertise, we aim to overcome the challenges associated with the NIN-SIM linkage exercise and ensure its continued successful implementation,” the agencies stated.
Under this collaboration, NIMC and NCC will focus on the following key areas: streamlining the NIN-SIM linkage process; capacity building and public awareness; data verification and validation; policy harmonisation, and the regulatory framework.
The statement read in part, “NIMC and NCC will collaborate to ensure a seamless experience for Nigerian telecommunication subscribers. This includes exploring innovative approaches to facilitate the swift verification and authentication of NINs during SIM registration and activation processes.
“Both agencies will collaborate on initiatives aimed at enhancing public awareness and understanding of the NIN-SIM linkage requirements. This includes educational campaigns, training sessions for stakeholders, and the dissemination of accurate information to the public to encourage compliance with the linkage directives.
“NIMC will continue to extend its support to NCC by assisting in verifying National Identification Numbers (NINs) associated with SIM registrations. Leveraging NIMC’s robust database and authentication infrastructure, telecommunication operators will validate submitted NINs while ensuring the accuracy and integrity of subscriber data.
“NIMC and NCC will collaborate on aligning policies and regulatory frameworks to facilitate the seamless integration of NIN-SIM linkage processes within the telecommunications ecosystem. This includes harmonising data protection and privacy regulations to safeguard the confidentiality and security of subscriber information.”
The NCC had barred an estimated 40 million telephone lines not linked to NIN following the expiration of the February 28, 2024, deadline.
In a December 2023 notice, the regulator had asked telcos to bar SIMs that had not been linked to their owners’ NINs by February 28, 2024.
