Telecommunications operators are anticipated to begin terminating mobile telephone lines that are not linked to National Identification Numbers when the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) September 14 deadline expires.
The NCC stated in August that no SIM card would be active without a validated NIN after September 15.
The telecom regulator had recommended users who had not completed their NIN-SIM linkage or had encountered challenges owing to verification mismatches to visit their service providers as soon as possible to amend their information before the deadline.
As of March 2024, the NCC reported 219 million active lines across mobile networks, including MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile, with 153 million already linked to NIN.
This puts nearly 66 million unlinked lines in danger of disconnection. Between July 28 and 29, millions of lines were briefly suspended owing to unsubstantiated NINs, causing major disruptions across the country.
The NCC reversed its ruling, allowing customers extra time to comply.
However, with the deadline now passed, disconnections will begin.
Speaking to reporters, an NCC official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment on the matter, dismissed any possibility of an extension.
“We will disconnect anyone who refuses to comply; the grace period is over. The reason why we extended the last time was the misconception of Nigerians who claimed that the NCC wanted to frustrate the August 1 protest.”
The official mentioned that the commission has no intention of deliberately disconnecting subscribers. “A significant number of Nigerians have opted not to link their SIMs to their NIN for various reasons.
“While there may be challenges at the centres, it remains crucial to revisit and complete the process. Let me be clear—there will be no further extensions,” the official emphasised.
A few weeks ago, subscribers expressed frustration over the challenges they face in uploading their details on the portal of the National Identity Management Commission.
Adeolu Ogungbanjo, the President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, described the situation as “terrible” after visiting some telecom centres, including MTN and Airtel.
He told reporters earlier that the existing portal challenges are obstructing the timely completion of the NIN-SIM linkage, adding, “Without immediate action, subscribers will struggle to meet the deadline.”
However, he pleaded that the NCC should consider extending the deadline due to the technical issues that marred the process of registration last week.
“NCC must be commended after a series of extensions, but I believe they can still do that for maybe one week,” he said
