The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has instructed telecommunications operators to promptly restore all phone lines that were blocked over the weekend due to non-compliance with the National Identification Number (NIN) linkage regulations.
The directive, communicated on Monday the 29th of July 2024 by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, comes as a response to the widespread disruption and consumer dissatisfaction resulting from the blockages
The NCC’s decision follows significant backlash from subscribers who experienced service interruptions after failing to link their NINs with their SIM cards, in line with the mandatory regulations introduced in December 2020.
The disruption led to numerous subscribers flocking to MTN offices nationwide, demanding the reactivation of their blocked lines.
The NCC acknowledged the challenges faced by consumers and emphasized that their convenience remains a priority.
The commission noted that this reactivation is intended to be temporary, providing users with an opportunity to complete the NIN-SIM linkage process. The directive aims to alleviate the immediate inconvenience caused while ensuring compliance with the regulations.
The mandatory NIN-SIM linkage, designed to bolster national security and maintain an accurate SIM ownership database, has seen several deadline extensions since its inception. Initially set for April 15, 2024, the deadline was later extended to July 31, 2024, to allow more time for consumers to verify their NINs. Despite these extensions, a significant number of lines remain unverified.
The NCC stressed the importance of timely verification to avoid future disruptions and urged all subscribers to complete the linkage process as soon as possible.
The commission’s action highlights the urgency of addressing the gaps in the NIN-SIM verification system.
In response to the blockages, the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) clarified that the disconnections were part of a planned harmonization effort to enhance the accuracy of the National SIM registration database.
ALTON noted that the disconnections were unrelated to any protests and emphasized its commitment to supporting the government’s efforts in ensuring data privacy, communication rights, and security.
For affected consumers, ALTON advises contacting their service providers to resolve any discrepancies between their records and the NIN database.
INN-HOUSE☆ 