By 
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecommunication companies to promptly restore all telephone lines blocked due to the non-linkage of National Identification Numbers (NINs) to SIM cards. This directive comes after thousands of subscribers protested at the offices of various telecom firms.
Subscribers experienced service disruptions when their lines were blocked for failing to link their NINs to their SIMs, following regulations aimed at improving data security. The situation quickly escalated, with customers storming telecom offices within a day of the disruptions.
Extent of the Disruption
An anonymous source revealed that approximately three million telephone lines from various mobile operators were affected by the blockage. “The exact number is hard to determine due to the involvement of multiple operators, but it is estimated to be around three million lines,” the source stated.
NCC’s Response
In a statement issued by the NCC’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, the Commission explained that the decision to restore the blocked lines was made in response to the widespread disruption and subscriber outrage. The NCC clarified that the restoration is temporary, allowing subscribers time to complete the NIN-SIM linkage process.
“The consumer is our priority; thus, considering the challenges caused by the blockages, we have directed all operators to reactivate the disconnected lines over the weekend. This measure is to give users a brief period to verify their NINs with their SIMs,” Muoka said.
Subscribers are encouraged to promptly complete the NIN-SIM verification to avoid further disruptions.
Background on NIN-SIM Linkage
The NIN-SIM linkage mandate, introduced in December 2020, aims to enhance national security and ensure a reliable SIM ownership database. Despite multiple extensions of the deadline—including the latest extension to July 31, 2024—many lines remain unverified.
Earlier deadlines, such as April 15, 2024, saw partial compliance, with full barring set to follow if NINs were not verified. As of the latest updates, telecommunications companies like MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria have reported significant numbers of disconnections due to unlinked NINs.
MTN Nigeria disclosed that it disconnected 4.2 million lines after the February 28 deadline, while Airtel Nigeria reported 5.7 million unlinked lines in May. Both companies have been working to resolve these issues and ensure compliance with the directive.
Industry Reactions
The recent disruptions led to widespread protests, with customers expressing frustration at telecom offices. In response, MTN has increased staff and introduced a self-service option for NIN linkage. A senior MTN official stated, “We have expanded our team and introduced a self-service feature to facilitate NIN linkage without needing to visit our offices.”
Adeolu Ogunbanjo, President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS), supported the enforcement of the linkage mandate, noting that the delay in disconnection had been addressed with the NCC for extensions.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) clarified that the recent disconnections were unrelated to the planned August 1 protest. “The blocks affected customers with mismatches between their records and the NIN database. Affected individuals should contact their service providers for resolution,” ALTON stated.
The NCC’s directive aims to mitigate the impact of the disruptions while ensuring compliance with NIN-SIM linkage regulations.
Comments