In a recent directive, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has mandated telecommunications operators to immediately restore all phone lines that were blocked due to non-linkage of National Identification Numbers (NIN) to SIM cards.
The announcement was made by Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, on Monday.
The decision follows widespread agitation among Nigerians, who perceived the restrictions as potential attempts to thwart the planned protest scheduled for August.
The NCC clarified that many subscribers had been unable to access their phone lines over the weekend due to unverified NIN-SIM linkage.
In a statement sighted by Vanguard, Muoka elaborated on the situation, saying, “Over the weekend, many telecom subscribers/consumers were unable to access their phone lines due to their inability to verify their NINs with their SIMs.
This resulted in their numbers being blocked by their telecom service providers in compliance with the laws and policies of the NIN-SIM linkage.”
He further explained, “Telecoms consumers and the public will recall the compulsory linkage of NIN with SIM, which began in December 2020, when the government directed telecommunication companies to bar unregistered SIM cards and SIMs that were not linked to NIN.”
The NCC’s statement also noted that the initial deadline for the full network barring of subscribers with unverified NIN details had been extended multiple times.
The most recent extension, set for July 31, 2024, was intended to give consumers more time to ensure their NIN details were properly verified.
Despite these extensions, many phone lines remained unlinked with verified NINs.
“The objectives of this exercise by the Federal Government of Nigeria include enhancing national security and ensuring the national SIM ownership database is accurate.
The NIN-SIM linkage policy aids in verifying and protecting users’ identities while also providing critical infrastructure that assures access to the benefits of a robust digital economy for the citizenry,” Muoka stated.
He emphasized the Commission’s commitment to consumer welfare, adding, “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, given the short time available for consumers to undertake the verification of their NINs with their SIMs.”
Muoka also urged subscribers to take advantage of this temporary reprieve to verify their NINs with their SIMs promptly, noting, “Members of the public who have yet to verify their SIMs are encouraged to do so as soon as possible to maintain access to their lines.”
