In its statement on Saturday, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) denied approving new telecom tariff plans. This is in reaction to a news article published by some online media.
“The NCC has neither approved any new Telecom Tariff Plans nor hike as reported online. The public is advised to please disregard.
NCC issued a directive for all operators to simplify their current tariff plans in a transparent & fair manner for consumers.”, it stated.
Read also: NIN-SIM linkage: MTN Nigeria bans 8.6 million users
Telcos’ Role in NIN-SIM Ban
Recall that telcos barred some network lines on Sunday, 28th July 2024, over the NIN-SIM verification policy in the wake of Nigerians calling for protests against the country’s economic hardship. This fueled speculation that the ban may be a result of the government’s plans to frustrate the protest.
This blockage leads to a widespread outcry in the country, forcing the telecommunications regulator to direct the telecommunications companies to suspend the blockage.
Background to the NIN-SIM linkage policy
In December 2020, the federal government ordered telecommunications providers to prohibit unregistered SIM cards and SIMs that were not linked to NINs, marking the start of the NIN-SIM linkage policy.
The deadline for the whole network, except for subscribers with four or fewer SIMs with unverified NIN information, was set for April 15, 2024. The NCC has revised the date several times since December 2023.
To “give consumers more time to ensure their submitted NIN details are properly verified,” the deadline was revised and moved to July 31, 2024.
The commission stated on Monday that despite these expansions, many phone lines are still not connected to confirmed NINs.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria is conducting this exercise to improve national security and guarantee the accuracy of the national SIM ownership database.” According to the NCC, “the NIN-SIM linkage policy provides a vital infrastructure that guarantees citizens’ access to the benefits of a robust digital economy while also assisting in the verification and protection of users’ identities.”
Read also: NIN-SIM linkage policy deadlines and extensions impact subscribers
NCC’s Swift Response: Reactivating Blocked Lines
However, in a swift response to the outcry, NCC ordered temporary reactivation of all lines affected by the blockage.
“The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecommunication companies to promptly reconnect any disconnected phone lines during the NIN-SIM verification process.
“Since the consumer is our top priority, the Commission has ordered all operators to reactivate any lines disconnected over the weekend. This decision was made in light of the difficulties the blockages have caused consumers, who have limited time to verify their NINs using their SIM cards.
“To enable them to link their NIN to their SIM correctly, reactivated consumers should be aware that this is only available for a short time.”
To keep access to their lines, the NCC asked anyone in the public who hasn’t verified their SIM card to do so “as soon as possible.