The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecommunications operators to immediately restore all phone lines blocked due to non-linkage of National Identification Numbers (NIN) to SIM cards.
This directive was announced on Monday by Reuben Muoka, the Director of Media and Public Affairs.
The NCC explained that the move was in response to widespread disruption caused by the blockages and aimed to prioritize consumer convenience.
Over the weekend, many telecom subscribers were unable to access their phone lines after failing to verify their NINs with their SIM cards, leading to blockages in compliance with NIN-SIM linkage regulations.
This situation sparked massive outrage on Monday, with subscribers flooding MTN offices nationwide, demanding the reactivation of their blocked lines.
“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, in view of the short time available for consumers to undertake the verification of their NINs with their SIMs,” the NCC stated.
The mandatory linkage of NINs with SIMs, initiated in December 2020, aims to enhance national security and ensure an accurate SIM ownership database. Despite several deadline extensions, including the latest to July 31, 2024, many lines remain unverified.
Since December 2023, the commission has reviewed the deadline multiple times. Initially, April 15, 2024, was set as the deadline for the full network, barring subscribers with four or fewer SIMs that had unverified NIN details.
This deadline was then extended to July 31, 2024, to give consumers more time to ensure their submitted NIN details are properly verified.
Despite these extensions, many phone lines are yet to be linked with verified NINs, the NCC lamented.
The NCC clarified that the reactivation is for a limited period to allow affected consumers to properly link their NIN to their SIM.
The commission urged all subscribers who have not yet verified their SIMs to do so promptly to maintain access to their services.
Meanwhile, the telecom operators, under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), clarified that the disconnection was unrelated to the August 1 protest.
Telecom operators explained that the harmonization process had been underway for several months to enhance the accuracy and integrity of the National SIM registration database.
“Customers who had their lines blocked recently are those whose service providers found a mismatch between their records on both databases. We advise such customers to contact their service providers through communicated channels for resolution of the issue,” ALTON stated.
ALTON emphasized its commitment to supporting government efforts and safeguarding communication rights, data privacy, and security.
