By Afolabi Samuel Odunayo
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has instructed all telecom service providers in Nigeria to reactivate lines that were disconnected over the past weekend.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 29, Reuben Muoka, NCC Director of Public Affairs, clarified that the disconnections were due to subscribers’ failure to verify their National Identification Numbers (NINs) with their Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs).
“These numbers were blocked by telecom service providers in accordance with the NIN-SIM linkage laws and policies,” Muoka explained.
Recall that the compulsory linkage of NIN with SIM began in December 2020, following a government directive to bar unregistered SIM cards and SIMs not linked to NIN.
Despite multiple extensions, with the latest deadline set for July 31, 2024, the director said many subscribers have yet to complete the verification process.
Stating the reasons for the compulsory linkage, Muoka said: “The Federal Government’s objectives for this exercise include enhancing national security and ensuring the accuracy of the national SIM ownership database.
“The NIN-SIM linkage policy verifies and protects users’ identities while supporting a robust digital economy.”
Given the disruptions caused by the blockages, the NCC has directed telecom operators to reactivate disconnected lines temporarily to allow subscribers more time to link their NINs with their SIMs.
“Consumers are our priority. We urge those who have not yet verified their SIMs to do so promptly to maintain access to their lines,” Muoka concluded.
