NCC Warns Against Buying Pre-Registered SIM Cards, Citing Criminal Consequences

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians about the dangers of purchasing pre-registered SIM cards, highlighting that the practice is illegal and carries severe penalties.

In an advisory released on its X platform on Friday, the NCC emphasized that using pre-registered SIM cards compromises the accuracy of consumer information and poses significant risks. The advisory stated, “Buying pre-registered SIM cards is criminal and may lead to imprisonment, implication in identity theft, financial fraud, kidnapping, and armed robbery.”

The commission explained that pre-registered SIM cards undermine the reliability of consumer data, making it difficult for authorities to identify and apprehend the real culprits behind various crimes. This warning aims to educate the public on the associated risks and encourage adherence to legal guidelines to bolster national security.

The NCC urged Nigerians to follow proper procedures when registering SIM cards to avoid legal repercussions. This advisory comes in the context of broader efforts by Nigerian telecommunications companies and the government to link SIM cards to National Identification Numbers (NINs) to streamline identification processes and combat scams.

Since December 2020, the government has mandated the linkage of SIM cards to NINs. The NCC has enforced this requirement by directing telecommunications operators to bar phone lines not linked to NINs. The initial barring phases occurred on February 28 and March 29, 2024.

To accommodate subscribers with more than four SIMs, the NCC has extended the final deadline for linking SIM cards to NINs to July 31, 2024, from the previous deadline of April 15.

The NCC continues to stress the importance of compliance with these regulations to ensure the integrity and security of Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure.