Telecom companies across Nigeria have announced plans to disconnect approximately 66 million phone lines as part of the federal government’s directive to link Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM) with the National Identification Number (NIN). The move is aimed at enhancing national security and streamlining identity verification processes.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed that, as of March 2024, 153 million out of 219 million active mobile lines on networks such as MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile were already linked to NINs, leaving around 66 million at risk of deactivation for non-compliance.
The enforcement comes after multiple extensions of the deadline for NIN-SIM linkage. Recent service disruptions in July highlighted the impact of the unverified connections, with millions of users facing temporary disconnection.
In the first half of 2024, MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa blocked 13.5 million lines for failing to meet the requirements. MTN alone disconnected 8.6 million lines, while Airtel reported that 8.7 million customers had completed the NIN verification process.
Telecom providers have urged subscribers to complete their NIN-SIM linkage to avoid permanent disconnection. Services can still be reactivated by visiting any telecom service center or NIMC office for verification.
The NIN-SIM policy, introduced in 2020, was part of the government’s effort to combat insecurity and criminal activities enabled by unregistered phone lines. Despite several deadline extensions, the NCC confirmed that by September 15, 2024, all SIM cards without a verified NIN would be deactivated.
“We will disconnect anyone who refuses to comply; the grace period is over,” said an NCC representative, emphasizing that the policy is essential for national security and preventing crimes like kidnapping and fraud.
Although the policy has faced criticism, the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains steadfast, warning that non-compliant users risk losing access to essential mobile services. Adeolu Ogungbanjo, president of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, recently urged the NCC to extend the deadline, citing technical issues encountered during the registration process.
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