The National Communications Authority (NatCA) has issued a directive mandating all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to link subscriber phone numbers to their respective National Identification Numbers (NINs). This initiative aims to bolster national security and improve service delivery.

According to the public notice, the primary objective of this exercise is tot their NINs have been correctly linked to their SIMs. The notice warns of a limited window for completing th enhance national security by ensuring that each SIM card in use is linked to a verified individual. This measure is expected to reduce identity fraud and other online crimes significantly. By cleaning the country’s SIM ownership database, NatCA aims to prevent criminals from exploiting multiple unlinked SIMs to conduct illicit activities.

This exercise is a collaborative effort between NatCA and the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA). Telecom consumers are urged to contact their service providers to verify thais exercise. Progressive barring of subscribers who fail to comply will commence shortly, potentially leading to a total removal of non-compliant numbers from the Mobile Network Operators’ databases.

The harmonization of NIN-SIM is seen as a crucial step for Sierra Leone as it moves deeper into the digital economy. NatCA stresses that a unified digital identity is vital for the country’s collective progress.

NatCA has reassured citizens that it will continue to implement necessary regulatory interventions to protect them from criminal activities. The agency’s commitment to enhancing the security of telecommunications infrastructure is evident through this new mandate.