The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the successful completion of linking all phone numbers in Nigeria to a National Identification Number (NIN).
Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, confirmed this development during the 2024 Annual Corporate Governance Conference in Lagos.
He acknowledged that the process was challenging for Nigerians but emphasized its benefits. “We have recently concluded the implementation of the federal government’s 2020 policy of linking every phone number to a NIN,” Maida stated.
Maida highlighted the significance of this accomplishment, noting that every phone number can now be associated with a verified NIN. “Today, there is no phone number that we cannot associate with a verified NIN. Not just a number, but a number that has been verified,” he explained.
This NIN-SIM linkage is crucial for enhancing security, streamlining customer experiences, and meeting compliance standards in Nigeria. It ensures that phone numbers are active and correctly associated with their owners, minimizing fraud and identity theft.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) plays a vital role in this process, providing verification services and issuing NINs.
Additionally, solutions like Smile ID’s Phone Number Verification product offer reliable and efficient verification, helping businesses comply with Know-Your-Customer (KYC) regulations.
