Telecommunications operators are set to begin disconnecting mobile phone lines that have not been linked to National Identification Numbers (NINs), following the expiration of the September 14 deadline set by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The NCC had previously announced that all SIM cards without verified NINs would be deactivated starting September 15. While millions of lines were temporarily barred due to unverified NINs in July, the NCC had reversed its decision, granting subscribers more time to comply. However, with the deadline now expired, disconnections will commence.
An NCC official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that there will be no further extensions and that disconnections will proceed as planned. The official emphasized that the commission has no intention of deliberately disconnecting subscribers but that those who have not linked their SIMs to their NINs will face disconnection.
The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATS) has expressed concerns about the challenges subscribers face in completing the NIN-SIM linkage process. The association has urged the NCC to consider extending the deadline due to technical issues that have hindered the registration process.
Despite the challenges, the NCC and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have strengthened their partnership to streamline the NIN-SIM linkage process. Both agencies have launched public awareness campaigns and implemented various measures to assist citizens in complying with the directives.
As of March 2024, data from the NCC showed that 219 million active lines were registered across mobile networks, with 153 million already linked to NINs. This leaves approximately 66 million unlinked lines at risk of disconnection.
The compulsory linkage of NIN with SIM cards began in December 2020, and multiple deadline extensions have been granted by the NCC since then. The final deadline for fully barring subscribers with four or fewer SIMs having unverified NIN details was April 15, 2024.
