NIN-SIM Linkage: NATCOMS Requests A 2-Week Extension

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, NATCOMS National President Mr. Deolu Ogunbanjo cited issues with the National Identity Management Commission’s (NIMC) portal as the reason for the appeal.

NAN reports that the NCC had set a deadline of September 14, 2024, for all mobile users to link their SIMs to their National Identification Number (NIN). The NCC has emphasized the importance of this linkage for enhancing digital security and reducing fraud and cybercrime.

Ogunbanjo explained that the extension is needed to allow NIMC to improve its portal’s capacity, as telecom operators have faced challenges uploading data to the NIMC portal at customer centers. He noted that the congestion and slow upload speeds have caused delays and frustration.

“During visits to customer centers of Airtel and MTN, I observed the difficulties in uploading data to the NIMC portal,” Ogunbanjo said. “The congestion and slow upload rates clearly indicate that the portal is not equipped to handle the current volume of uploads, creating undue stress for both telecom operators and their subscribers.”

He urged the NCC to grant the extension to September 30 to alleviate these issues and provide a smoother experience for all parties involved.