The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend in view of the short time available for consumers to undertake the verification of their NINs with their SIMs.
This is in response to the the challenges the blockages have caused many telecom consumers across the country who since the weekend have been unable to access their phone lines on account of the fact that they are yet to link their National Identification Numbers (NINs) with their Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs).
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recalls that the compulsory linkage of NIN with SIM began in December 2020 when the government directed telecommunication companies to bar unregistered SIM cards and SIMs that were not linked to NIN. Despite several extensions to the deadline, reports have it that many subscribers have still not complied.
According to the NCC, “Since December 2023, the Commission has since reviewed the deadline a few times; April 15, 2024 was set as the deadline for the full network barring of subscribers with four or fewer SIMs that had unverified NIN details. This deadline was then reviewed to July 31, 2024, to give consumers more time to ensure their submitted NIN details are properly verified. Despite these extensions, many phone lines are yet to be linked with verified NINs.”
However, on account of the current challenges being experienced, the NCC has decided on a reprieve. She however appeals to reactivated consumers are to note that “this is for a limited period to allow them to properly link their NIN to their SIM. Members of the public who are yet to verify their SIMs are encouraged to do so as soon as possible to maintain access to their line. The objectives of this exercise by the Federal Government of Nigeria include enhancing national security and ensuring the national SIM ownership database is accurate. The NIN-SIM linkage policy aids in verifying and protecting users’ identities while also providing a critical infrastructure that assures access to the benefits of a robust digital economy for the citizenry.”