This is a promising recovery after a prolonged period of decline, largely attributed to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) audit and the implementation of the National Identification Number (NIN)-SIM linkage exercise.

MTN and Airtel are driving this growth, with MTN, the largest mobile network operator in the country, recording an increase of 2.2 million new subscriptions, bringing its total to 80.3 million active lines. 

This growth has enabled MTN’s new 51.09% hold of the market share. Airtel also saw a rise of 697,430 new subscribers, boosting its total to 54.4 million active subscriptions and securing 31.61% of the market share.

The rise in active subscriptions has contributed to an improvement in Nigeria’s teledensity, which increased from 71.46% in September to 72.7% in October, based on an estimated population of 216 million people.

In contrast, Globacom and 9mobile have faced setbacks. Globacom experienced a further decline of 44,635 subscriptions, following the earlier audit and NIN-SIM exercise, leaving the network with 19.1 million active subscriptions and a market share of 12.15%. 

9mobile, which has struggled with customer retention over the years, lost 245,263 subscriptions, reducing its active base to just 3.3 million, accounting for only 2.15% of the market.

The NCC’s recent audit, which aimed to address the issue of inactive and improperly registered lines, revealed that one network operator had misclassified 40 million inactive lines as active. 

These lines had not generated any revenue for over 90 days, breaching the NCC’s guidelines for active users and distorting the industry’s data.

In a public notice signed by Kayode Adegoke, the head, Corporate Communications, the Commission reiterate that all its over ten thousand NIN enrolment centres across the country and in the diaspora are open for NIN enrolment.

“Nigerians and legal residents can visit any of the centres to enrol and be issued the NIN. This assurance is given in light of the 14th September 2024 deadline for the NIN-SIM linkage

“NIMC also wish to inform Nigerians and legal residents that any applicant who wants to modify his or her NIN data can do so through the NIMC Self-Service portal – self-servicemodification.nimc.gov.ng (Terms and conditions apply).

“Furthermore, NIN Holders and applicants can make enquiries on NIN enrolment centres, processes and procedures for NIN Data modifications, NIN Verification issues and any other enquiries, via the website,” said Adegoke.

The Commission reaffirms its commitment to Zero tolerance for all forms of extortion and unethical practices and that NIN enrolment is free!

“Any Issues bothering on extortion of applicants or any form of unwholesome practices can be escalated to nimccustomercare@nimc.gov.ng. Mobile No-07002255646.

“NIMC reaffirms its commitment to provide excellent and world-class identity management services,,” Adegoke emphasized, particularly as it concerns NIN-SIM linkage.

NCC, however, said a significant progress has been made in the Federal Government’s 2020 NIN-Sim linkage policy.

According to a press statement signed by Reuben Muoka, director, Public Affairs at NCC, “To date, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to a NIN, reflecting an impressive compliance rate of 96 per cent, a substantial increase from 69.7 per cent in January 2024.

“As we approach the final phase of this critical process, the NCC seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 per cent compliance. The complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing the trust and security of our digital economy. By verifying all mobile users, this policy strengthens confidence in digital transactions, reduces the risk of fraud and cybercrime, and supports greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services. This, in turn, promotes financial inclusion and drives economic growth.

“Through collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the NCC has uncovered alarming cases where individuals possessed an unusually high number of SIM cards—some exceeding 100,000. The Commission also remains committed to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs, thereby safeguarding national security and ensuring the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.

“To ensure full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy, the NCC has directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by September 14, 2024.

“Effective September 15, 2024, the Commission expects that no SIM operating in Nigeria will be without a valid NIN.

“We urge all members of the public who have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage, or who have faced issues due to verification mismatches, to visit their service providers promptly to update their details before the deadline. Alternatively, the approved self-service portals are available for this purpose.

“The NCC also reminds the public that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines. We encourage citizens to report any such activities to the Commission via our toll-free line (622) or through our social media platforms.

“The Commission thanks the general public for its continued cooperation as we work together to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem”, the statement reads.

Over the weekend many telecom subscribers/ consumers were unable to access their phone lines because of the inability of many telecom consumers to verify their NIN-SIM linkage.

This meant that their numbers were blocked by their telecom service providers in keeping with laws and policies of the NIN-SIM linkage.

In a statement on Monday afternoon, Reuben Muoka, director, Public Affairs at NCC, said that telecoms consumers and the public will recall the compulsory linkage of NIN with SIM which began in December 2020 when the government directed telecommunication companies to bar unregistered SIM cards and SIMs that were not linked to NIN.

“Since December 2023, the Commission has since reviewed the deadline a few times; April 15, 2024 was set as the deadline for the full network barring of subscribers with four or fewer SIMs that had unverified NIN details. This deadline was then reviewed to July 31, 2024, to give consumers more time to ensure their submitted NIN details are properly verified. Despite these extensions, many phone lines are yet to be linked with verified NINs.

“The objectives of this exercise by the Federal Government of Nigeria include enhancing national security and ensuring the national SIM ownership database is accurate. The NIN-SIM linkage policy aids in verifying and protecting users’ identities while also providing a critical infrastructure that assures access to the benefits of a robust digital economy for the citizenry.

“The consumer is our priority, therefore considering the challenges the blockages have caused, the Commission has directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend in view of the short time available for consumers to undertake the verification of their NINs with their SIMs. Reactivated consumers are to note that this is for a limited period to allow them to properly link their NIN to their SIM.

“Members of the public who are yet to verify their SIM’s are encouraged to do so as soon as possible to maintain access to their lines”.

In a statement on Monday, made available to Techeconomy, Engineer Gbenga Adebayo, the chairman of ALTON, said there was absolutely no connection between the two.

“The NIN/SIM link registration deadline has earlier been set for 31st July, 2024.

“The fact of the matter is that the harmonization exercise of the SIM Registration database and National Identity Database has been ongoing for several months. This is aimed at improving the integrity of the National SIM registration database. Customers who had their lines blocked recently are those whom their service providers found a mismatch between their records on both databases. We advise such customers to contact their service providers through communicated channels for resolution of the issue.

“However, all operators have put in place measures to ensure that anyone whose line is blocked can unblock it by following some easy steps.

1. Airtel: Dial *121# and input your eleven digit NIN number. The subscriber will receive a confirmation message that you have successfully unbarred your Airtel Sim card.
2. EMTS: 9Mobile: Dial *200*8#
3. Glo: Dial *109*Your NIN number# For example if your NIN 12345678901, you would dial
*109*12345678901# Then follow the prompts to submit your NIN for linkage.
4. MTN: If a MTN line is barred, all the subscriber need do is visit nin.mtn.ng, to check the NIN status, and if not linked, proceed to link it. During the process, an OTP would be requested, as well as the NIN. After giving consent and submitting the NIN linking request, it will be done and the line will be automatically unbarred.
5. Smile: Send your valid NIN to customercare@smile.com.ng or call 07020444444, you will be asked to provide consent, upon receipt of customer consent and successful verification of NIN, the line will be unbarred.
6. Spectranet: Call toll free line 8002345678 and submit your NIN but will have to get your KYC done at Spectranet Store. Customer can email us at care@spectranet.com.ng and submit their NIN but will have to submit their KYC at Spectranet Store. Customer can go to Spectranet website and submit their NIN online but to complete the process they will have to do KYC at Spectranet Store.
7. Ntel: Customer should visits any Ntel store with their NIN, fingerprint is used to call up their existing KYC profile with Ntel for verification, consent is received and line is updated and unbarred.
“In case these online steps fail, subscribers can physically visit any walk-in centres of operators, to unblock their lines”.

He said that ALTON is committed to supporting the government of Nigeria, and upholding the rights of citizens.

“As an industry, we respect and commit to protecting the rights of all people to communicate, to share information freely and responsibly, and to enjoy privacy and security regarding their data and their use of digital communications,” Adebayo said.

Techeconomy’s investigation on Sunday shows that the telcos’ actions are based on the disconnection timelines set by the industry regulator to bar subscribers who are yet to link a national identification number (NIN) to their Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card(s).

Result of the investigation is contrary to the claims in some quarters that the telcos are barring subscribers’ lines as part of government’s agenda to scuttle the proposed national protests.

The history of NIN-SIM linkage dates back to 2020

You would recall that mobile networks based on a December 2023 directive from the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) had barred subscribers who had not submitted their NINs for verification as of February 28, 2024.

In addition, a second set of subscribers with five or more SIM whose NINs failed verification were also fully barred on March 29, 2024.

There have been several deadlines given in the past on the cut-off date for SIM cards not linked to NINs, the last deadline for July 31, 2024 was planned to be definitive as shown from the strict adherence to the previous deadlines in February and March this year. This decision was reached long before the planned protests.

The telecom regulator had embraced a phased SIM barring approach, as the directive for disconnection is being rolled out in stages.

The compulsory NIN-SIM linkage began in December 2020 when the government directed telecommunication companies to block calls from unregistered SIM cards and SIMs that are not linked to NIN.

Despite the extension of deadlines, many phone lines are yet to be linked with verified NINs.

Three years later, the issue of SIM-NIN linkage continues to have hitches, especially from the behavioural side of telecom consumers.

The Commission had set April 15, 2024, for the full network barring of the subscribers with four or fewer SIMs with unverified NIN details.

This deadline was moved by NCC to July 31, 2024, to give telecommunications consumers more time to ensure their submitted NIN details are properly verified.

The date of July 31, 2024, was set as the last date since April in well-publiculised news and notices by the NCC.

Why NCC insists on NIN-SIM linkage

The NCC’s seemingly hard-line position hinged on its objective to clean the country’s SIM ownership database and enhance national security.

At a forum in Lagos, long before the planned nationwide protests, Dr. Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman of NCC, expressed NCC’s commitment to ensuring that criminals do not take advantage of having multiple unlinked SIMs to carry out their nefarious activities.

Not linked to Planned National Protests

A source at the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, disagreed with social media users who accused the telcos of being used by the government to scuttle the planned national protests.

“This accusation about MTN or others barring people from its network is unfair, mischievous, and dangerous.

“Other networks have been disconnecting subscribers based on the extant policy in this regard. Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile, Smile Communications, VDT, etc., have been disconnecting non-compliant consumers, long before planned protests”.

“The NCC is considering extending the deadline against its wish, but that idea also came long before the scheduled protests.

“Nigerians need to demonstrate that they can reason and recall incidents and social issues and not allow themselves to be misled by those who are bent on bringing Nigeria down.

“The NCC and its licensees will never disconnect consumers from networks because of protests.

“The Commission has continued to say that consumers are the lifeblood of the telecommunications industry.

“Even the President of Nigeria has not said people have no right to protest. He (President Tinubu) and right-thinking citizens have only expressed concerns about the hijack of protests by nihilists and those determined to embark on wanton destruction of properties.

“So, those accusing MTN or other telecom networks of intention to sabotage the protests are unreasonable and manipulative.

“The Nigerian citizens and the public should not allow themselves to be misled to bring our country down in a reckless and brazen manner.

Importantly, the NCC and mobile network operators have been educating telecom consumers on how to get back on their networks if they are barred due to non-verification of their NIN with their SIMs.

“People should take advantage of the opportunities and the awareness campaign to do their NIN-SIM verification”, the source said.

The Nigeria Communications Commission has said by Friday, March 29, 2024, the directive to disconnect the lines should be implemented.

The initial phase took place on February 28, 2024. Subsequently, while the third phase is slated to begin on April 15, 2024.

“We issued a publication that you can refer to. We specified certain deadlines and stipulated that subscribers who do not comply with the directive would be barred. And that has not changed,” Mr. Reuben Mouka, the director, Public Affairs at NC, told the Punch.

Mouka said at the last deadline on February 28, 2024, about 40 million lines that were not linked to NIN were barred.

MTN Nigeria reported that over 4.2 million lines were disconnected from its network after the February 28 deadline.

The NCC has reiterated its commitment to enforcing regulatory measures aimed at enhancing security and regulatory compliance within the telecommunications sector.

The SIM-NIN linkage initiative is a crucial step towards improving the integrity of subscriber data and enhancing security measures within the telecommunications industry.

The NIN-SIM linkage policy was initially introduced by the Nigerian government in December 2020. This directive requires all telephone line users in Nigeria to associate their SIM cards with their NIN.

In December of the previous year, the NCC issued a directive stipulating that all telecommunications operators in Nigeria, including major providers like MTN, Airtel, and Globacom, among others, must enforce complete network barring on all phone lines for which subscribers have not provided their NINs by February 28, 2024.

In recent times, the NIN-SIM linkage exercise has become subject of national discourse, reflecting the critical importance of aligning SIM registrations with individuals’ unique national identification numbers.

In a joint statement today signed by Mr. Ayodele Babalola, technical adviser, Media, and Communications to the DG/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and Mr. Reuben Muoka, director Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), they partners recognising the significance of the initiative said aims at enhancing security and improving service delivery.

“Both NIMC and NCC are committed to improving processes and enhancing efficiency”, they said.

Under this collaboration, NIMC and NCC will work closely to explore synergies and leverage each other’s expertise and resources in the following key areas:

1. Streamlining the NIN-SIM Linkage Process:

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.

2. Capacity Building and Public Awareness:

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.

3. Data Verification and Validation:

NIMC will continue to extend its support to NCC by providing assistance 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.

4. Policy Harmonisation and Regulatory Framework:

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.

Both NIMC and NCC are committed to fostering a collaborative and transparent partnership that prioritises the interests of Nigerian citizens and promotes 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 NIN-SIM linkage, which was launched in 2020, aimed to enhance security measures and curb rising incidents including kidnappings in the country.

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) secured a World Bank loan to boost NIN enrollment, with the government urging citizens to link their NIN to SIM cards.

Stringent guidelines were issued, leading many Nigerians to endure long queues and challenging conditions to complete the linkage, often facing financial losses and scams.

The administration of Muhammadu Buhari insisted that the sufferings were for good as Nigerians should expect robust intelligence gathering through the NIN-SIM linkage and possible swift actions against kidnapping and other vices.

That project was championed by Professor Isa Pantami, then minister of Communications and Digital Economy.

Despite the World Bank loan, the Federal Government of Nigeria through NIMC, had to rely on Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), such as MTN, Globacom, Airtel, 9mobile, Smile Communications, and other third-party agents to pursue this project.

NIMC under the leadership of Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the director-general, disclosed that a 104.16 million NIN enrolments have been recorded as at December 2023.

Kidnapping Epidemic Statistics

Data from various sources show a concerning surge in kidnapping incidents across Nigeria. Between January and February 2021, 1,181 people, including 362 children and 103 females, were kidnapped.

The figures for July 2022 to June 2023 revealed 3,620 people abducted in 582 incidents, with ransom demands exceeding N5 billion.

Recent data from December 2023 to January 2024 indicates a spike in kidnappings, with over 380 individuals abducted, including men, women, farmers, children, and students.

The former Minister, who initiated the NIN-SIM linkage, recently had to lead a crowdfunding crusade to raise funds to free victims from kidnappers’’ den. What an irony.

Anyway, it is heartwarming that the victims have regained their freedom even as one of the sisters paid the maximum prize. Nigeria failed her.

NIN-SIM Linkage: An Unfulfilled Promise?

Despite promises that the NIN-SIM linkage would facilitate tracking criminals, the surge in kidnappings shows a disconnect.

Critics have pointed out some key issues about the current policies of telecommunication companies regarding the blocking of unlinked SIMs.

Some of these critics are accusing the telcos of not fully complied with the regulations, leaving unlinked SIMs unblocked and creating vulnerabilities that criminals can easily exploit. This poses a serious threat to national security and public safety.

Another school of thought argues that the current focus on compliance is overshadowing proactive crime-fighting efforts, such as active intelligence gathering and law enforcement measures. This means that law enforcement agencies are not able to take effective measures to prevent criminal activities before they happen.

Another issue that has been highlighted is that the policy seems to neglect the underlying factors that contribute to criminal activity, including widespread poverty and social issues. Therefore, the policy may not be as effective as it was envisioned, as long as these underlying issues are not addressed.

Frustration and Despair Nationwide

Nigerians who endured the NIN-SIM process express understandable disillusionment. Many faced inconveniences and financial losses, only to witness the unabated kidnapping epidemic. Pertinent questions linger: Was the collective pain endured worth the promised benefits, or has the policy merely added bureaucratic layers for already burdened citizens?

What’s the next step in tackling the root causes of kidnappings and alleviating the pervasive sense of insecurity?

Global Strategies to Combat Kidnapping: Technology Leverage

Kidnapping, a heinous crime that shatters lives and destabilizes communities, is heightened in countries across the globe. As criminals adopt increasingly sophisticated tactics, nations are turning to advanced technologies to counter their actions and protect vulnerable populations. Here are some technological strategies being deployed around the world:

1. Surveillance and Tracking:

• CCTV networks: Countries like China and the United Kingdom have expansive CCTV networks that utilize facial recognition and real-time monitoring to track suspects and identify potential risks.
• Drone surveillance: Israel and Mexico are employing drones developed with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging to patrol remote areas and monitor high-risk locations.
• Mobile phone tracking: Law enforcement agencies in several countries, including India and South Africa, are leveraging mobile phone data to track kidnapped victims and identify criminal networks.

2. Data Analysis and Crime Prediction:

• Predictive analytics: Advanced algorithms are being used to analyze crime data and identify patterns, allowing authorities to anticipate potential kidnapping hotspots and allocate resources proactively.
• Social media monitoring: Tools are being developed to monitor social media platforms for suspicious activity and communication patterns that might indicate impending kidnappings.
• Biometric databases: Countries like Brazil and Argentina are utilizing biometric databases like fingerprints and iris scans to identify suspects and victims more quickly and accurately.

3. Communication and Alert Systems:

• Emergency alert systems: Widespread emergency alert systems using SMS, mobile apps, and public sirens quickly inform citizens of potential kidnapping threats and provide safety instructions.
• Cybersecurity measures: Secure communication channels and encrypted messaging platforms are vital for law enforcement to coordinate operations and share critical information without compromising investigations.
• Public awareness campaigns: Utilizing digital platforms and traditional media to educate citizens about common kidnapping tactics, safety tips, and reporting procedures can empower communities and deter criminal activity.

4. Technological Innovations:

• Facial recognition technology: Law enforcement agencies are increasingly using facial recognition software to identify suspects from CCTV footage and databases, aiding in investigations and arrests.
• Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots: Virtual assistants are being developed to provide initial crisis support and collect important information from victims or witnesses, potentially saving valuable time in rescue operations.
• Blockchain technology: Some experts propose using blockchain to securely store victim and suspect data, ensuring its authenticity and facilitating cross-border cooperation in complex kidnapping cases.

Challenges and considerations

While technology brings about powerful tools for fighting kidnapping, ethical considerations and technical limitations remain. Balancing surveillance with individual privacy, ensuring data security, and preventing misuse of these technologies are critical challenges.

Additionally, access to resources and technological infrastructure varies significantly across nations, highlighting the need for international collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Moving Forward

Recognizing that the NIN-SIM linkage alone cannot be the panacea for Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis, a comprehensive strategy is imperative. This strategy should:

• Strengthen law enforcement by providing resources and intelligence to proactively combat crime.
• Address root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and social inequalities that contribute to desperation and fuel criminal activity.
• Promote transparency and accountability, holding law enforcement officials and government agencies accountable for their actions while ensuring effective implementation of security measures.
• The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) must step up its monitoring, working with the law enforcement agencies to crack down on illegal Sim registration syndicates. This will ensure that the sim registration database is ‘clean’ enough to power the securities agencies to go after criminals who use Sim cards to perpetuate different offenses.
• NIMC should as a matter of urgency conduct audit of its database to weed-out any promised NIN in its system.

Nigerians deserve to feel safe in their own land. We encourage the President Bola Tinubu’s government to note the flaws in the current approach and implement a holistic strategy that delivers tangible results in the fight against kidnapping and restores a sense of security to its citizens.

The global fight against kidnapping is undergoing a transition towards technologically driven solutions. However, addressing ethical concerns, bridging resource gaps, and facilitating international cooperation will be important in ensuring these technologies are used effectively and responsibly to bring back hope and safety to communities tormented by kidnapping.

Recall that in the year 2020, former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration ordered SIMs to be linked to the NIN of every citizen. Citizens who failed to link their SIM to NIN had their lines disconnected.

Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad), the media aide to Mr Buhari, in a tweet on Sunday, raised the alarm on sustained kidnappings for ransom, calling for “new legislation or the revision of current laws to mandate the death penalty as punishment for banditry and kidnapping.”

I am reaching out to Sen. Kawu Sumaila, a senator representing me at the Senate, and Hon. Ghali Tijjani Mustapha, a member representing me at the House of Representatives, to urge them to introduce a new legislation or the revision of current laws to mandate the death penalty as…

— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) January 14, 2024

The erstwhile Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Pantami, has blamed Nigerian police and other security agencies for failing to utilise data generated from National Identity Number (NIN) linked to the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) in tracking kidnappers and curbing other crimes involving the use of a phone.

Responding to Mr Ahmad’s tweet, @RolandMentus, however, said, “How about first reaching out to your kinsman @ProfIsaPantami to know why Nigerians queued up for months to secure NIN.”

Reacting to Mr Mentus’s tweet, Pantami blamed security agencies for not utilising the NIN-SIM data to tackle rising kidnapping for ransom and banditry.

“NIN-SIM policy has been working,” said Pantami. “However, the relevant institutions fighting criminality are to be requested to ensure they utilise it effectively when a crime is committed.

“Lack of utilising it is the main problem, not the policy,” Pantami said.

The former minister, who decried the non-utilisation of the policy, claimed criminals threatened his life for reintroducing it.

He said, “On the lack of utilisation, I am more worried than anyone, as my life was threatened by criminals for reintroducing it, including on BBC Hausa & and national dailies; I resisted and ensured its implementation.”

“If it is not being utilised by the relevant institutions in charge of securing lives and property, then I am more frustrated than any person, as I sacrificed my life and ignored all the threats to life. This is just a point out of 100 on the policy,” the former minister added.

The former Minister under Buhari’s administration, championed the NIN registration policy that saw citizens link their NIN to their SIMs, vowing it would be instrumental to curbing banditry, kidnapping and other forms of crimes involving the use of the telephone.

However, kidnappers still demand and coordinate ransom-taking with the use of phones without being apprehended despite SIM-NIN data.