Nigeria’s mobile subscriber base fell 30.09 percent to 153.32 million in September 2024, following deactivation of Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) not linked to a verified National Identification Number (NIN) by the mandated deadline.

The SIM-NIN linkage initiative, aimed at enhancing security and identifying potential criminal elements, now requires that all SIM users have a verified NIN, with registration restricted to individuals over the age of 18. This move reinforces that SIM registration represents a legal contract, valid only for adults.

Earlier, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), over 153 million SIMs have now been successfully linked to a NIN, achieving a compliance rate of 96 percent, up from 69.7 percent in January 2024.

In collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the NCC disclosed that it has discovered multiple cases of excessive SIM ownership, with some individuals reportedly holding over 100,000 SIM cards.

To maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s mobile network, the NCC emphasised its commitment to working with security agencies to eliminate the sale of pre-registered SIMs.

The NCC urged Nigerians who still need to complete their NIN-SIM linkage, or those with verification issues, to update their details promptly through service providers or approved self-service portals. It also reiterated that the sale or purchase of pre-registered SIMs is illegal and encouraged the public to report any such incidents via its toll-free line, 622, or through its social media channels.

Last week, key stakeholders in Africa’s internet ecosystem gathered in Lagos for the Nigerian Peering and Interconnection Forum (ngPIF), where they explored strategies for expanding Nigeria’s rapidly growing internet infrastructure.

Hosted by the Nigerian Network Operator Group (ngNOG) and the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), the forum attracted government officials, industry leaders, and technology experts committed to enhancing digital connectivity in Nigeria.

In his opening remarks, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasized the critical role of internet connectivity in driving Nigeria’s economic growth and development. Represented by Ganiyu Oseni, Senior Adviser on Technology, Broadband & Innovation, Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to fostering digital inclusion and expanding infrastructure.

“Digital connectivity is not just a tool for communication; it is a catalyst for economic transformation,” Oseni said on behalf of the Governor. “We are committed to supporting initiatives like ngPIF that push the boundaries of digital infrastructure and bring the benefits of connectivity to all Nigerians.”

The two-day forum featured a series of panel discussions and workshops, with participants focusing on key topics such as peering, interconnection, data centers, and the role of government in creating a conducive environment for digital innovation.

Prof. Wale Adedokun, National Coordinator of ngPIF, underscored the forum’s mission to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide, particularly between urban and rural areas.

“The essence of ngPIF is to foster collaboration among stakeholders to ensure internet resources are more accessible and affordable across Nigeria,” he told journalists.

Muhammed Rudman, CEO of IXPN, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of rural connectivity to ensure that all citizens can access the digital economy. “The government’s support is crucial for expanding internet access in underserved areas, particularly through mechanisms like the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF),” Rudman explained.

In addition, Ayotunde Coker, CEO of Open Access Data Centre (OADC), highlighted ngPIF’s role in building a robust peering community that includes infrastructure providers, content creators, service providers, and policymakers. “This forum has evolved into a vibrant community dedicated to advancing Nigeria’s interconnection and peering infrastructure, putting the country on the global digital map,” Coker remarked.

As Nigeria continues its digital transformation, ngPIF remains a vital platform for stakeholders to collaborate, innovate, and shape the future of the country’s internet landscape.

Polaris Bank, Nigeria’s leading digital retail commercial bank, again at the weekend proved its digital dominance in the Nigerian banking industry, winning the most-coveted award as the best in digital banking and the entire ecosystem for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

At the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Awards (BAFI Awards), financial industry’s prestigious awards, Polaris Bank’s trailblazing digital banking platform, VULTe was adjudged the best as “Digital Bank of the Year”, for the fourth consecutive year.

Polaris Bank was also awarded “Best Bank for MSMEs of the Year”, for the third consecutive year, underlining the bank’s well-known competitive lending and general supports for small businesses and the real sector.

With the weekend awards, Polaris Bank retains a pride of place as the only Nigerian bank to have won the coveted awards for that long, underscoring the bank’s continuous investments in human and technological resources.

The BAFI Awards Selection and Review Committee stated that Polaris Bank outperformed industry peers in all key metrics, including strength of strategy for attracting and gaining digital customers, accelerated user engagement, success in getting clients to use digital offerings, growth of digital customers, platform functionality and security.

BAFI Awards is well-regarded for its empirical and data-driven selection process, a practice that makes the awards, one of the most prestigious independent awards for the Nigerian financial services industry.

Commenting on the award, Mr. Kayode Lawal, managing directo/ceo, Polaris Bank, said the continuing recognition of VULTe as best digital bank emphasises the user-friendly and multi-functional strengths of the digital platform.

He pointed out that Polaris Bank has seen tremendous market gain in digital transactions and lending with digital lending totaling more than N10 billion in the first eight months of this year, on course to surpass the N12.8 billion recorded for the whole of 2023.

He said the bank understands the importance of user-experience in online transactions and thus prioritises convenience and safety, with sustained investments in bespoke technologies.

“We are honoured to receive this prestigious award, recognising our commitment to the digital banking ecosystem. We understand clearly that this consecutive vote of confidence on our capability is a responsibility, and we are doing everything to remain on the cutting-edge of technology and services.

“We are sure ongoing strategic initiatives will not only sustain our leadership in digital banking and supports for real sector, but also deliver sustainable growth that will firmly entrench our digital leadership across the financial services industry,” Lawal said.

He commended the organisers of the BAFI Awards, BusinessDay, for their commitment to empirical process.

A full digital bank that provides fast, convenient, and reliable solutions to banking needs; some of VULTe’s unique features include: QR payments, end-to-end account opening, instant loan request, debit card request, issuance, and activation, without the customers leaving the comfort of their homes, offices or wherever they may be.

The platform does not just cater to Polaris Bank’s customers alone, but non-customers alike who can also download and enjoy banking services on VULTe. Another key feature is VULTe’s API Banking, which allows merchants and businesses to integrate VULTe with other business critical systems, enabling a portfolio of services including risk assessment, bank statement requests, lien accounts, direct debits and more.

With its all-in-one solution, VULTe not only caters to individual customers but also SMEs, high net worth and retail customers. It takes few minutes to access collateral-free personal and business loans that enables individuals and enterprises of customers.