NIN-SIM Linkage: NCC directs telcos to reactivate blocked lines

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators to immediately reactivate all lines that were disconnected due to the failure to verify their National Identification Numbers (NINs) with their subscriber identification modules (SIMs).

The commission, however, urged members of the public who are yet to verify their SIMs to do so as soon as possible to maintain access to their lines.

In a statement on Monday in Abuja, the Director of Public Affairs in the commission, Mr. Reuben Muoka, noted that many telecom subscribers/consumers over the weekend were unable to access their phone lines because of the inability of many telecom consumers to verify their NINs with their SIMs.

He observed that this meant their numbers were blocked by their telecom service providers in keeping with the laws and policies of the NIN-SIM linkage.

He warned that the reactivated consumers should note that this is for a limited period to allow them to properly link their NIN to their SIM.

Muoka recalled 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.

He said, “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.

“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.”

Muoka stated that the consumer is the commission’s priority, and 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.