Recent investigations by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), have revealed alarming cases where individuals were found to possess an excessive number of SIM cards, with some holding more than 100,000.

This is coming as the commission said that September 14 is the final deadline for telecom subscribers to link their National Identification Number (NIN) with SIM cards’

This directive is part of a broader federal initiative to streamline Nigeria’s digital identification system. In a significant move towards enhancing national security and curbing identity theft,

This discovery underscores the urgent need for the NIN-SIM linkage, which aims to prevent such practices that pose severe risks to national security.

The NCC has reiterated that the September 14 deadline is non-negotiable, warning that any SIM cards not linked to a valid NIN by this date will be disconnected from telecom networks, thereby disrupting access to essential communication services.

The initiative, which began in December 2020, has seen several deadline extensions to accommodate subscribers, but the Commission has made it clear that this is the final opportunity for compliance.

Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice Ccairman of the NCC, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The NIN-SIM linkage is crucial for national security and for enabling government agencies to provide better services to citizens. We urge all subscribers to ensure their NINs are linked to their SIM cards before the September 14 deadline to avoid any disruption in their communication services.”

The NCC has also directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to ensure the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs is completed by the deadline.

Effective September 15, 2024, any SIM card operating in Nigeria without a valid NIN will be rendered inactive.

. Additionally, the NCC has issued a stern warning that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIM cards are criminal offenses, punishable by imprisonment and fines.

MoMo PSB has announced a partnership with Leadership Strategy Sustainability Business Innovation (LSSBI) Advisory to enhance financial inclusion and streamline tax payments in Ekiti, Nasarawa, and Rivers states.

This collaboration introduces MoMo as the official payment platform for taxpayers, enabling easy and convenient payments via the USSD code *5229#.

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek report that the partnership aims to boost compliance, drive revenue development, and promote financial autonomy for marginalised communities. Key stakeholders highlighted the significance of this collaboration in closing the financial gap and promoting economic growth.

Read Also: MTN Nigeria takes full control of MoMo bank for $4.6m

With this initiative, MoMo PSB reaffirms its commitment to providing accessible and user-friendly financial services to all Nigerians, particularly the unbanked and underbanked populations.

The launch of the USSD code *5229# demonstrates MoMo PSB’s dedication to expanding financial inclusion and promoting digital payments.

Ekiti State officials lauded the partnership, commenting on the convenience of using the MoMo payment platform, while emphasising its potential to increase tax compliance and benefit local communities.

The collaboration is part of a broader initiative to empower citizens with financial autonomy, encourage saving, and promote responsible money management.

As the rollout begins in Ekiti, Rivers, and Nasarawa, MoMo PSB and LSSBI Advisory aim to expand the initiative nationwide, encouraging other states and private sector partners to explore similar collaborations, leveraging technology to improve access to financial services. This partnership marks a new era in tax payment solutions, prioritising efficiency, inclusivity, and financial empowerment for all Nigerians.

MoMo PSB, established in May 2022 as the fintech division of MTN, continues to focus on delivering user-friendly, accessible, and affordable financial services to both new and existing customers across Nigeria.

Globacom has unveiled a new device acquisition scheme to enable Nigerians own smartphones and pay conveniently over several months. The scheme is dubbed: “Buy Now, Pay Small Small” and is available in Gloworld shops across the country.

The scheme aims to bridge the digital divide by enabling individuals and businesses have access to the latest smartphones and devices more conveniently. This, Globacom claims, will make customers more connected and more productive.

A press statement released by Globacom explained that it is offering flexible payment options to its customers so they can acquire devices of their choice and spread the cost of these new devices over several months through instalment payments that is manageable for them.

The scheme has a wide range of smartphones and other smart devices from top brands that customers can chose from.

This device financing is available to all new and existing Glo customers who can avail the benefits of the programme when purchasing new devices from Gloworld stores across Nigeria.

Moreover, customers can choose from various payment plans to suit their budget, with tenures of up to six months and special interest rates on all flagship devices.

Globacom said customers who purchase devices under the programme will also be given a data bonus of 18GB for six months, adding that it is focused on customer satisfaction, through ensuring a convenient system of smartphone acquisition for Nigerians.