NIMC Reassures Subscribers on Portal Stability Amid NIN-SIM Linkage Complaints
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has assured Nigerians that its systems are running smoothly ahead of the NIN-SIM linkage deadline set for September 14, 2024. This follows complaints from subscribers experiencing difficulties linking their National Identification Number (NIN) to their SIM cards due to slow speeds and congestion on the NIMC portal.
Subscriber Concerns Over NIN-SIM Portal Issues
Adeolu Ogungbanjo, President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS), expressed concern over the challenges many subscribers face. He emphasized that the current situation could prevent the successful completion of the NIN-SIM linkage before the deadline if not addressed. Many subscribers have voiced frustration over the slow speed of the NIMC portal, which hinders the linking process.
NIMC’s Assurance of Service Efficiency
In response, NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, stated that all services, including NIN enrollment, verification, authentication, and data modification, are fully operational across more than 10,000 enrolment centres nationwide and in the diaspora. Adegoke also highlighted that subscribers who wish to modify their NIN data can easily do so through the NIMC Self-Service Portal at self-service modification.nimc.gov.ng. NIMC reiterated its commitment to providing high-quality identity management services while ensuring zero tolerance for unethical practices and extortion. The commission urged the public to report any cases of misconduct through its customer care channels. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently announced that over 153 million SIMs had already been linked to NINs, representing a 96% compliance rate. However, concerns remain that the remaining 4% of subscribers may not meet the upcoming deadline due to ongoing technical challenges.
The current portal issues are a significant concern for many subscribers. If the congestion and slow speeds on the NIMC platform are not addressed urgently, it will be difficult for subscribers to meet the NIN-SIM linkage deadline.
Strategic Collaboration Between NIMC and NCC
To address these issues, the NIMC and NCC formed a strategic partnership in March 2024 to streamline the NIN-SIM linkage process. This collaboration includes public awareness campaigns, stakeholder training sessions, and the dissemination of accurate information to ensure compliance. MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa reported barring a combined 13.5 million lines in the first half of 2024 due to non-compliance with NIN-SIM verification. MTN barred 8.6 million lines, while Airtel verified 8.7 million customers, though 4.9 million remain unverified. Data from the NCC in March 2024 indicated there were over 219 million active mobile lines across networks such as MTN, Globacom, Airtel, and 9mobile.
In conclusion, as the NIN-SIM linkage deadline approaches, subscribers are urged to take advantage of the services provided by NIMC to complete the process. While concerns about portal congestion and system delays persist, NIMC assures Nigerians that its systems are functioning optimally, and that the agency remains committed to meeting the needs of subscribers. With 96% compliance already achieved, it is crucial for the remaining 4% to act swiftly to avoid any disruptions to their mobile services.
