The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says there are no unregistered SIM cards operating in the country’s telecoms networks, reaffirming the integrity of its centralised SIM registration and verification system.

Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, made the disclosure on Monday during an interactive session with the media, where he explains that advanced biometric systems and real-time monitoring tools have secured Nigeria’s mobile infrastructure against unregistered SIM activity.

“Right now, I can authoritatively say there is no unregistered SIM operating in the network,” Maida says. “Our systems have concluded the registration exercise, ensuring every SIM is traceable.”

While highlighting the robustness of the system, the NCC chief cautions that its effectiveness can be compromised by human practices. He cites instances where people delegate domestic staff or third parties to register SIMs on their behalf, weakening accountability and identity integrity.

NCC EVC: Human practices threaten integrity 

While highlighting the robustness of the system, the NCC chief cautions that its effectiveness can be compromised by human practices. He cites instances where people delegate domestic staff or third parties to register SIMs on their behalf, weakening accountability and identity integrity.

Although biometric checks prevent unregistered SIM activation, Maida notes that risks persist when registered SIMs are later loaned out, reassigned, or misused. Such practices, he warns, create potential security vulnerabilities.

To address these gaps, the regulator says it will intensify public awareness campaigns on digital identity compliance. Maida stresses that offenders face legal and security consequences.

“On our part, we will increase education on the risks because, if something happens, no one will listen to explanations about registering SIMs for someone at a fee,” he cautioned.

One of Africa’s most advanced systems The NCC emphasises that Nigeria’s SIM registration framework remains among the most advanced in Africa. By combining biometric verification, centralised databases, and live network monitoring, the system has achieved full registration of all active SIMs, strengthening national security and digital trust.

However, Maida reiterated that responsible usage by consumers is critical to sustaining the gains: “Technology provides the safeguards, but accountability must begin with users themselves.”