LunagisthubNIN-SIM Policy: A Major Overhaul of Nigeria’s Telecom Industry
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has released its 2024 Subscriber/Network Performance Report, revealing a significant correction in the country’s telecommunications industry. The strict enforcement of the National Identification Number-Subscriber Identity Module (NIN-SIM) policy has led to a substantial decline in active voice subscriptions.
59.7 million phone lines removed : The NIN-SIM policy has resulted in the removal of 59.7 million phone lines that were not linked to verifiable NINs.
26.6% decline in active subscribers .The active subscriber base has dropped from 224.7 million in 2023 to 164.9 million in 2024, marking a 26.6% year-on-year decline.
Teledensity drops Teledensity has fallen from 103.66% in 2023 to 76.08% in 2024, mirroring the scale of the clean-up.
Internet subscriptions decline Internet subscriptions have dropped from 163.8 million to 139.3 million, a loss of 24.6 million users, representing a 14.98
The Federal Government introduced the NIN-SIM policy to
Curbing criminal activities: Reduce the use of anonymous SIM cards for illicit activities.
Strengthening national security: Create a more reliable national identity database.
Improving service delivery: Enhance the overall quality of service in the telecom industry.
Expanding financial inclusion:Support digital payment systems across the economy.
The NCC has directed all mobile operators to reactivate lines that were disconnected due to NIN-SIM verification issues, allowing consumers a limited period to properly link their NINs to their SIMs. This move aims to mitigate the impact on consumers while ensuring the policy’s objectives are met .
As Nigeria continues to implement the NIN-SIM policy, it’s clear that the country’s telecom industry is undergoing a significant transformation. With over 126 million Nigerians enrolled in the National Identity Database, the government is working towards creating a more secure and reliable digital economy.
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