Nigeria’s mobile subscriber base has seen a drastic reduction, falling from 219 million active subscribers in March to 153 million by September, according to recent data. This 66-million drop is largely attributed to the enforcement of the National Identification Number (NIN) linkage policy and a data reporting error by one mobile network operator.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) began enforcing strict policies around NIN-linked SIM cards to combat security issues in the telecom sector. As a result, SIM cards not connected to verified NINs were deactivated, which significantly impacted the subscriber count. Additionally, a single operator was found to have misreported around 40 million inactive accounts as active. This discrepancy in data reporting led to an inflated subscriber base, violating NCC’s criteria for what constitutes an “active” user.
The NCC has emphasized the importance of accurate reporting to maintain industry standards and ensure reliable data for policy and economic analysis. Although the commission has not yet issued an official statement, sources say efforts to reach the NCC spokesperson for comment have so far been unsuccessful.
The drop in subscribers underscores the broader impact of the NIN linkage policy, which aims to strengthen national security by ensuring all active mobile users are verified. The NCC’s recent actions reflect a commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, even as the industry adjusts to these changes.