The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has completed linking all mobile phone numbers to national identification numbers (NIN). This initiative enhances accountability in tracing phone numbers linked to fraudulent activities. The NCC also plans to collaborate with the Central Bank of Nigeria to combat fraud in mobile transactions.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the successful completion of the federal government's initiative to link all mobile phone numbers to national identification numbers (NIN). During the 2024 annual corporate governance conference in Lagos, Aminu Maida, the NCC’s executive vice-chairman, emphasized the importance of this milestone, acknowledging the difficulties Nigerians faced throughout the process.
Maida explained that the initiative, which started in December 2020, aimed to associate every mobile number with a verified NIN. "Though it was a bit painful for Nigerians, this step is crucial for accountability," he stated. The initiative allows authorities to directly trace phone numbers linked to fraudulent activities to individuals.
Initially met with resistance and numerous deadline extensions, the policy faced significant challenges, including violence when unlinked SIM cards were blocked earlier this year. The NCC set a final deadline of September 14 for compliance.
In addition to enhancing accountability, Maida revealed the NCC's collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to tackle fraud in mobile financial transactions. He noted that mobile platforms are increasingly used for banking, highlighting the need for stronger consequences for phone numbers involved in fraud.
Moving forward, the NCC aims to improve the regulatory framework to protect citizens from financial crimes and ensure that linked phone numbers do not facilitate fraudulent activities across various sectors.
