The deactivation of customer lines over the weekend due to problems connecting NIN to SIM cards is being ensured by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for all operators.
If you haven’t yet linked your National Identification Number (NIN) to your SIM card, now is the time to take action.
Failure to do so may result in your phone line being deactivated again, and reactivated lines won’t stay active for long. Link your NIN today to avoid disconnection and ensure uninterrupted service.
Read also: Nigerian Telcos respond to SIM blocking allegations amid protest preparations
Deadline Extension for NIN to SIM Linkage
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has consistently delayed the deadlines for the National Identification Number (NIN) and SIM card linkage exercise, which commenced in December 2020. Initially, the deadline was set for February 28, 2024, but it was pushed back to April 15, 2024. Following that, the NCC further extended the deadline to July 31, 2024.
In response to the recent widespread disconnections that have significantly impacted businesses and daily life, the NCC has granted yet another extension, providing individuals with more time to complete the linkage process and avoid further disruptions to their mobile services. This latest extension aims to mitigate the adverse effects of the disconnections and give people more time to comply with the NIN-SIM linkage requirement.
Enhancing National Security through NIN-SIM Linkage
The ultimate goal of the National Identification Number (NIN) and SIM card linkage exercise is to thoroughly clean up and streamline the SIM ownership database, thereby enhancing national security. By verifying the identities of mobile phone users and linking their SIM cards to their unique NIN, the government can prevent anonymous or fraudulent SIM card usage.
This initiative also aims to reduce the risk of criminal activities, such as terrorism, cybercrime, and fraud, by improving the accuracy of citizen data and reducing duplicate or ghost entries.
Read also: MTN SIM cards disconnected due to incomplete or mismatched NIN registration
Furthermore, it will enhance the overall integrity of the national identity management system and support law enforcement agencies in tracking and investigating criminal activities. By achieving a more accurate and reliable SIM ownership database, the government can better protect citizens’ safety and security while fostering a more transparent and accountable telecommunications sector.
But remember that MTN Nigeria users reported their SIMs were blocked even though they’d submitted their NINs.
However, it has been speculated that telcos may be working with the federal government to sabotage the protest on August 1. According to the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), those assertions are merely hearsay.
On the other hand, Airtel Africa has issued a warning stating that they may lose up to $4 million in revenue each month due to the NIN verification procedure.