The National Identity Management Commission NIMC and the Nigerian Communications Commission NCC have jointly adopted measures designed to facilitate a seamless linkage of the National Identification Number NIN and Subscriber Identification Management SIM.

According to a statement jointly signed by the Technical Adviser, Media and Communications to the DG/CEO of NIMC, Ayodele Babalola and Director, Public Affairs of the NCC, Reuben Muoka, these collaborative efforts have become expedient given that the NIN-SIM linkage exercise has become subject of national discourse, which reflects the critical importance of aligning SIM registrations with individuals’ unique national identification numbers.

Under this synergy, both organisations will work closely by pooling resources and individual expertise together to streamline the processes associated with the linkage of the NIN and the SIM. This will include but not limited to adopting innovative approaches to enhance speedy verification and authentication of the NINs during the SIM registration and activation processes.

 The joint statement issued in Abuja, Monday, reads in part: “The National Identity Management Commission NIMC and the Nigerian Communications Commission NCC are pleased to announce a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing processes related to the National Identification Number NIN-SIM linkage.

“In recent times, the NIN-SIM linkage exercise has become subject of national discourse, reflecting the critical importance of aligning SIM registrations with individuals’ unique national identification numbers. Recognising the significance of this initiative in enhancing security and improving service delivery, both NIMC and NCC are committed to improving processes and enhancing efficiency.

“Under this collaboration, NIMC and NCC will work closely to explore synergies and leverage each other’s expertise and resources in the following key areas: Streamlining the NIN-SIM Linkage Process: NIMC and NCC will collaborate to ensure a seamless experience for Nigerian telecommunication subscribers. This includes exploring innovative approaches to facilitate the swift   and authentication of NINs during SIM registration and activation processes.

“Capacity Building and Public Awareness: Both agencies will collaborate on initiatives aimed at enhancing public awareness and understanding of the NIN-SIM linkage requirements. This includes educational campaigns, training sessions for stakeholders, and the dissemination of accurate information to the public to encourage compliance with the linkage directives.

“Data Verification and Validation: NIMC will continue to extend its support to NCC by providing assistance in verifying National Identification Numbers (NINs) associated with SIM registrations. Leveraging NIMC’s robust database and authentication infrastructure, telecommunication operators will validate submitted NINs while ensuring the accuracy and integrity of subscriber data.

“Policy Harmonisation and Regulatory Framework: NIMC and NCC will collaborate on aligning policies and regulatory frameworks to facilitate the seamless integration of NIN-SIM linkage processes within the telecommunications ecosystem. This includes harmonising data protection and privacy regulations to safeguard the confidentiality and security of subscriber information.”

As part of measures to sustain the seamless linkage of the NIN and SIM, the two organisations have also pledged to foster transparent collaboration and partnership that prioritises the interests of the Nigerian citizens while promoting national development.

According to the due, the decision to pool resources and expertise is aimed at overcoming the challenges associated with the NIN-SIM linkage exercise and also ensure its continued successful implementation in the country.