The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed the immediate reactivation of telephone lines that were affected by the ongoing National Identification Number (NIN)-SIM verification process. This decision comes as part of efforts to ensure seamless communication for all affected subscribers.
Over the weekend, numerous telecom subscribers found themselves unable to access their phone lines due to issues with the verification of their National Identification Numbers (NINs) with their Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs). As a result, their numbers were blocked by telecom service providers in compliance with the laws and policies governing NIN-SIM linkage.
Telecom consumers will recall that the mandatory linkage of NIN with SIM began in December 2020, following a government directive that required telecommunications companies to bar unregistered SIM cards and those not linked to NINs.
Since December 2023, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said it has reviewed the deadline for this process multiple times. Initially set for April 15, 2024, the deadline for the full network barring of subscribers with four or fewer SIMs and unverified NIN details was extended to July 31, 2024. This extension was intended to provide consumers with more time to ensure their NIN details were properly verified. Despite these extensions, many phone lines remain unlinked with verified NINs.
The Federal Government of Nigeria’s objectives for this exercise include enhancing national security and ensuring an accurate national SIM ownership database. The NIN-SIM linkage policy helps verify and protect users’ identities, providing critical infrastructure that ensures access to the benefits of a robust digital economy for the citizenry.
Given the challenges caused by the blockages, the NCC has directed all operators to immediately reactivate all lines disconnected over the weekend. The directive aims to provide consumers with additional time to complete the verification of their NINs with their SIMs. Reactivated consumers should note that this grace period is limited and should promptly link their NIN to their SIM to avoid future disconnection.
The NCC, in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, urged members of the public who have not yet verified their SIMs to do so as soon as possible to maintain uninterrupted access to their phone lines.
