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Telecommunication companies in Nigeria have begun the final phase of disconnecting Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) numbers that are not linked to National Identification Numbers (NIN). This step is part of the ongoing effort to enforce the NIN-SIM linkage directive.
Sources within the telecommunications industry, who requested anonymity, confirmed this development to The PUNCH on Sunday. Initially set for April 15, 2024, the disconnection deadline was extended to July 31, 2024, by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) after considering subscriber challenges and requests for more time.
“This is an industry-wide issue, not limited to MTN. The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) will issue a statement on this soon,” one source said.
The NCC has directed that multiple channels be provided to simplify the linkage process for subscribers. “We are committed to ensuring that subscribers comply by linking their lines with their NINs. It is crucial for maintaining network security,” the source added.
Despite these measures, there are concerns that some telcos have started disconnecting lines before the July 31 deadline. This has led to a backlash on social media, with many Nigerians expressing frustration and sharing their experiences on platforms like X.
Several users reported their SIM cards were blocked even though they had completed the NIN linkage process, leading to widespread complaints.
Bashir Ahmad, Digital Communications Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari, tweeted, “It seems MTN has blocked hundreds of numbers today. Many are complaining about losing service. Has anyone else experienced this?”
Kensola voiced frustration, “It’s shocking that my MTN line, which I linked with NIN years ago, has been blocked. Are state actors trying to suppress dissenting voices?”
Tall John noted, “The blocked lines had mismatched SIM registration and NIN details. SMS notifications and public awareness were provided on how to resolve issues, but some claim the disconnections are politically motivated.”
Jude Bela questioned MTN’s actions, “MTNNG, why are you blocking lines that are linked to NIN? My number was blocked despite my NIN being linked. This is causing unnecessary distress.”
The mandate for telecom operators to disconnect SIMs not linked to NINs aligns with a similar directive from 2020 aimed at combating terrorism, kidnappings, and banditry. The current disconnection process is part of a phased rollout that began in February 2024. The first phase on February 28, 2024, and the second phase on March 29, 2024, saw around 40 million lines barred for non-compliance.
Telecom operators have attributed some of the issues to delays by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in processing verification requests. “The slow verification turnaround from NIMC is a concern. We are communicating this to the NCC and seeking their intervention,” said Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of ALTON.
In December 2023, the NCC mandated full network barring of SIMs not linked to NIN by February 28, 2024, leading to the disconnection of 40 million lines. A second deadline was set for April 15, 2024, for those with submitted but unverified NINs, which was later extended to July 31, 2024. Additional guidelines were issued limiting customers to four active SIMs, with excess SIMs barred by March 29, 2024.
Adebayo indicated that further extensions or reviews would be at the NCC’s discretion. “We are providing feedback to the regulator. If further action is needed, the NCC will decide based on the data provided.”
In its financial report for the first half of 2024, Airtel Africa estimated a potential loss of up to $4 million in monthly revenue due to the inability to verify approximately 4.9 million customers. Other major operators have not yet disclosed the number of disconnected lines, but MTN has reportedly started barring unverified users.
Efforts to reach NCC Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, and NIMC Director of IT/IDD, Lanre Yusuf, for comments on the issue and potential extensions were unsuccessful.
In addition to the disconnection process, telecom operators are conducting an audit of the industry’s billing systems to enhance transparency and address customer complaints about billing, data usage, and service quality.
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