The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has mandated telecom operators to completely block all SIM cards that are not linked to National Identification Numbers (NINs) by February 28, 2024. This directive applies to major telcos such as MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile. Failure to comply will result in the suspension of services for those subscribers with unlinked SIM cards.
The directive comes as part of the ongoing NIN-SIM linkage exercise initiated by the Federal Government in December 2020. Since the exercise’s commencement, telecom operators have seen over 20 million subscriptions lost due to unlinked SIM cards. Despite promotional efforts to encourage NIN registration and recovery of abandoned lines, around 10 million subscriptions remain unclaimed.
MTN recently disclosed that it received a formal directive from the NCC to implement a complete network barring on phone lines without linked NINs by the set deadline. They further explained that unverified NINs would face different timelines for barring based on the number of lines associated with each unverified NIN.
The telecommunications company emphasized the need for all affected subscribers to undergo verification (biometrics and biodata) before their lines can be unbarred. MTN highlighted their commitment to complying with the NCC directive and pledged to continue engaging with subscribers through various channels to facilitate the NIN verification process.
In response to the directive, the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) urged subscribers to promptly link their NINs to their phone lines, emphasizing the significance of the NIN for a reliable National Identity Management System, economic inclusion, and access to government services. ALTON also affirmed its members’ commitment to supporting the government’s digital economy agenda.
ALTON urged subscribers to enroll or submit their NINs via the appropriate channels provided by telcos to avoid full suspension of services by the stipulated deadlines.
