The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has ordered telecommunications firms to immediately reactivate lines blocked ahead of the deadline for linking National Identification Numbers (NINs) with Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs).
NCC spokesman Reuben Muoka made this known in a statement on Monday as crowds thronged outlets of telecoms firms nationwide over the issue.
The compulsory linkage of NIN with SIM began in December 2020 when the government directed telecom companies to bar unregistered SIM cards and SIMs that were not linked to NIN.
Since December 2023, the NCC has reviewed the deadline a few times. First, April 15, 2024 was set as the deadline for barring 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.
Mouka said the objectives of this exercise include enhancing national security and ensuring the national SIM ownership database is accurate.
He noted that 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.
“The consumer is our priority, therefore, considering the challenges the blockages have caused, the Commission 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. 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 lines,” the statement added.
