The National Communications Authority (NatCA) has announced sweeping regulatory measures aimed at strengthening cybersecurity, curbing mobile phone fraud and improving accountability within Sierra Leone’s telecommunications sector through the mandatory registration of all Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards with the National Identification Number (NIN).
The reforms, contained in the Subscribers Regulations 2025, introduce stringent compliance requirements for mobile network operators and establish a six-month transition period during which all existing and newly issued SIM cards must be fully registered in accordance with the new legal framework.
Speaking during an interview on Radio Democracy 98.1 FM, NatCA’s Director of Corporate and Industry Affairs, Abdul Ben-Foday, said the new regulations represent one of the Authority’s most significant interventions in recent years to combat fraud, identity theft and other forms of cyber-enabled crime.
He explained that the initiative is designed to ensure that every active mobile phone number in Sierra Leone is linked to a verified National Identification Number through close collaboration with the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA). According to him, the exercise will improve customer identification, strengthen national security and make it easier for law enforcement agencies to investigate criminal activities involving mobile communication.
Under the new regulations, telecommunications operators found with unregistered or pre-activated SIM cards in circulation will face a penalty of Le25,000 (equivalent to Le25 million in the old currency) for each non-compliant SIM card. The Authority believes the stiff sanctions will discourage the illegal sale and activation of SIM cards while encouraging operators to strengthen their subscriber registration processes.
Abdul Ben-Foday disclosed that NatCA will embark on nationwide compliance inspections and enforcement exercises after the transition period expires. Any SIM card that remains unregistered will be subjected to a phased restriction process before being permanently disconnected from the network.
He explained that the enforcement mechanism will begin with the suspension of outgoing calls, followed by the blocking of incoming calls. SIM cards that remain unregistered after those measures will eventually be permanently deactivated from the telecommunications network.
The Authority has urged subscribers to use the transition period to verify that their SIM cards are properly registered and linked to their National Identification Numbers to avoid service interruptions.
NatCA also encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant against the growing threat of mobile phone scams and cyber fraud. Citizens have been advised not to respond to unsolicited text messages or suspicious phone calls requesting personal or financial information. Instead, they should independently verify any such requests through trusted contacts and promptly report suspected fraudsters to the Sierra Leone Police.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns over cybersecurity incidents affecting several digital services across Sierra Leone.
In a separate public notice issued on 30 July 2026 from its headquarters at NatCA Tower, South Ridge, Freetown, the Authority reassured the public that it is actively monitoring the ongoing cybersecurity incidents while coordinating a comprehensive national response with relevant stakeholders.
NatCA said it is working closely with Government institutions, law enforcement agencies, licensed telecommunications operators and other industry stakeholders to address the evolving cyber threats and minimize disruptions to digital services across the country.
As the regulator of Sierra Leone’s electronic communications sector, the Authority reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the country’s communications infrastructure by ensuring its security, resilience and operational integrity. It noted that protecting critical digital systems has become increasingly important as cyber threats continue to grow in complexity and sophistication.
The regulator further called on telecommunications companies, internet service providers and operators of digital platforms to strengthen their cybersecurity systems by implementing robust security controls, promptly reporting cyber incidents and complying fully with national security standards and regulatory requirements.
According to NatCA, proactive cooperation among communications service providers is essential to reducing cyber risks and maintaining public confidence in Sierra Leone’s digital ecosystem.
The Authority also appealed to citizens to adopt safer online practices by avoiding suspicious links, ignoring questionable messages, protecting personal information and enabling multi-factor authentication on online accounts wherever possible.
Describing cybersecurity as a shared national responsibility, NatCA assured the public that it will continue to provide timely updates through its official communication platforms while maintaining close collaboration with Government agencies, security institutions and industry partners to strengthen the country’s resilience against cyber threats.
The Authority emphasized that the combined implementation of the Subscribers Regulations 2025 and enhanced cybersecurity measures reflects Government’s broader commitment to building a secure, transparent and accountable digital communications environment capable of supporting national development while protecting consumers from fraud, identity theft and other cyber-related crimes.
