FREETOWN, 20 October 2026 – The National Communications Authority (NatCA) has set 1st November 2026 as the final deadline for all mobile subscribers in Sierra Leone to link their SIM cards to their National Identification Numbers (NINs).
In a Public Notice dated 20th October 2026, NatCA Management said it has directed all Mobile Network Operators and Mobile Money Operators in the country to deactivate or disconnect every subscriber who fails to complete the NIN-SIM integration by the deadline.
The order affects all networks – Africell, Orange, QCell and Sierratel – as well as mobile money platforms including Orange Money and Afrimoney.
According to NatCA, the move is to ensure effective identity management, enhance national security, and combat fraud, scams and other crimes linked to unregistered and improperly registered SIM cards.
The Authority warned that any SIM that remains unlinked after November 1 will be deactivated, meaning subscribers will lose the ability to make and receive calls, browse, and conduct mobile money transactions.
NatCA is urging all subscribers who are yet to comply to urgently visit their respective network providers with their NIN – the number on the Biometric National ID Card issued by the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) – to update their registration details.
Subscribers can check their linkage status by dialing 999# on all networks.
This is part of enforcement of the new Subscribers Regulations 2025, which also imposes a fine of NLe 25,000 on operators for every unregistered or pre-activated SIM found in circulation.
The Authority said it will not extend the deadline beyond November 1.
