The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed all telecommunication companies to reactivate lines that were barred due to issues with National Identification Number (NIN) and SIM verification.
This move comes after the NCC had previously set a deadline of July 31 for telecom operators to disconnect lines with unverified NINs.
This unexpected decision appears to be linked to planned protests and claims that the government was trying to hinder the protests through telecommunications disruptions. Over the weekend, millions of lines were disconnected by major telecom operators such as MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile. Many subscribers were shocked and frustrated, as they claimed their lines had already been linked with NIN.
Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, explained that the lines were blocked in accordance with the NIN-SIM linkage laws and policies. However, he acknowledged the issues caused by the sudden disconnections and announced that telecom operators have been instructed to unblock all affected lines.
“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,” Muoka stated.
The NCC emphasized that the reactivation is temporary, giving subscribers additional time to properly link their NIN with their SIM cards. “Reactivated consumers are to note that this is for a limited period to allow them to properly link their NIN to their SIM,” the Commission added.
The NIN-SIM linkage policy is aimed at enhancing national security and ensuring an accurate national SIM ownership database. It helps verify and protect users’ identities while also supporting a robust digital economy.
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This issue began over the weekend when many telecom subscribers found themselves unable to access their phone lines due to the NIN-SIM verification problems. The compulsory NIN-SIM linkage started in December 2020, when the government directed telecom companies to bar unregistered SIM cards and those not linked to NIN.
Since December 2020, the NCC has extended the deadline multiple times, with the most recent deadline set for July 31, 2024. Despite these extensions, many phone lines remain unlinked with verified NINs.
Earlier on Monday, telecom operators had to address rumors suggesting that the disconnection of SIMs was an attempt to undermine a planned protest starting on August 1. Telecom companies clarified that the timing was coincidental and not related to the protests. The nationwide protest, organized by youth groups, aims to address the rising cost of living and economic hardship in the country.
In conclusion, the NCC’s directive to reactivate barred lines offers temporary relief to millions of affected subscribers, giving them more time to complete the NIN-SIM verification process. The Commission remains committed to ensuring the success of the NIN-SIM linkage policy and maintaining the integrity of the national SIM database.