NCC Fines Airtel ₦104 Million for SIM Registration Breaches

NCC Imposes ₦104 Million Penalty on Airtel Nigeria for SIM Registration Breaches

Introduction
In a decisive move to reinforce telecommunications security, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has levied a ₦104 million fine against Airtel Nigeria. The sanction stems from multiple violations of the Registration of Communications Subscribers Regulations 2022, aimed at preventing identity theft, unlawful network usage, and fraudulent activities. This article explores the background of the NCC’s regulations, details of Airtel’s infractions, the financial penalties imposed, Airtel’s response, and the broader implications for subscribers and the telecom sector in Nigeria.

Background of NCC’s SIM Registration Rules

In response to growing concerns over anonymous SIM usage linked to criminal activity, the NCC updated its SIM registration framework in 2022. Key requirements include:

• Face-to-Face Verification (“Eyeballing”): Every prospective subscriber must be physically present and verified by a registered NCC agent.

• Authorized Registration Devices: SIMs can only be registered using NCC-approved biometric devices located at sanctioned retail outlets.

• Preventing Third-Party Registrations: Only the actual subscriber is allowed to complete the registration process; agents or third parties cannot register on behalf of another person.

• Prohibition of Pre-Activation: Mobile numbers (MSISDNs) may not be activated until all registration steps, including identity verification and NIN (National Identification Number) validation, are fully completed.

These measures ensure that only legitimate users obtain and operate SIM cards. By enforcing strict controls, the NCC aims to safeguard subscriber data, support law enforcement efforts, and reduce SIM-related fraud.

Specific Violations by Airtel Nigeria

Following a formal directive in January 2025 and a Pre-Enforcement Notice in March 2025, the NCC launched an investigation into Airtel’s SIM registration practices in Kano State. The Commission identified four primary areas of noncompliance:

1. Unauthorised SIM Registrations

   • Extent: 8,275 SIM cards registered using 198 devices that were not approved by the NCC.

   • Location: Registrations took place outside Airtel’s 281 certified retail points in Kano State.

2. SIM Activation Before Complete Registration

   • Extent: 63 mobile numbers (MSISDNs) were activated before the mandatory verification and NIN checks were performed.

   • Risk: Early activation undermines the objective of tracing ownership and can facilitate fraudulent or criminal usage.

3. Lack of Proper Identity Verification (“Eyeballing” Failures)

   • Extent: 407 SIM cards were registered without a legitimate face-to-face confirmation, allowing multiple identities to be linked to single SIMs.

   • Consequence: This practice opens the door to identity fraud and undermines the reliability of subscriber databases.

4. Unexplained Night-Time Registrations

   • Timing: Registrations processed between midnight and 6:00 a.m., outside normal business hours.

   • Issue: Airtel was unable to provide satisfactory justification for these late-night activities, suggesting a lapse in oversight and compliance controls.

By breaching these rules, Airtel not only violated regulatory standards but also heightened risks related to security, privacy, and subscriber trust.

Breakdown of the ₦104 Million Fine

To penalize Airtel Nigeria for the identified infractions, the NCC allocated fines based on the severity of each violation category:

• ₦5 Million for allowing SIM registrations with unauthorised devices.

• ₦12.6 Million for activating 63 SIMs before the completion of proper registration procedures.

• ₦81.4 Million for failure to conduct mandatory “eyeballing,” resulting in 407 SIMs linked to multiple NINs.

• ₦5 Million for the absence of a credible explanation for registrations occurring during restricted hours (midnight to 6 a.m.).

Airtel was instructed to remit the total amount of ₦104 million within seven days of receiving the Notice of Sanction, as issued by the NCC’s Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement team in May 2025.

Airtel Nigeria’s Official Response

Upon receiving the penalty notice, Airtel Nigeria issued an official statement emphasizing its commitment to regulatory compliance and customer protection. Key points from Airtel’s response include:

• Acknowledgement of the NCC’s Authority: Airtel affirmed that it respects the NCC’s mandate to safeguard network integrity and public safety.

• Ongoing System Improvements: The company highlighted initiatives to upgrade its registration infrastructure, including enhanced biometric tools and more rigorous agent training.

• Commitment to Collaboration: Airtel pledged to work closely with the NCC and other stakeholders to tighten controls, improve audit processes, and prevent future lapses.

By framing the fine as a catalyst for operational improvements, Airtel aims to reassure subscribers that it will reinforce its compliance framework and deliver more secure services.

Strengthening Nigeria’s Telecoms

The NCC’s enforcement action against Airtel sends a clear message that lax SIM registration processes will not be tolerated. Moving forward, the Commission is expected to:

• Increase Spot Inspections: On-site visits to verify that operators conduct SIM registrations in compliance with approved standards.

• Leverage Data Analytics: Use patterns in registration logs to detect suspicious activities, such as bulk registrations from a single device or late-night activations.

• Collaborate with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs): Provide guidance on emerging threats, including deepfake identity verification attempts and SIM swap scams.

For MNOs, incorporating advanced identity management solutions—such as facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and real-time NIN verification—will become standard practice. As the regulatory environment tightens, only operators that invest in robust compliance frameworks and transparent audit trails will thrive.

Conclusion

The ₦104 million fine imposed by the NCC on Airtel Nigeria underscores the importance of strict compliance with SIM registration regulations. By addressing the root causes of unauthorised activations, incomplete verifications, and late-night registrations, Airtel can restore confidence in its services and demonstrate leadership in telecom governance. For consumers, this enforcement action is a positive step toward a more secure mobile ecosystem. For the industry at large, it serves as a reminder that regulatory adherence is critical not only for avoiding financial penalties but also for fostering trust, transparency, and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy.