The nation’s telecom providers are preparing for another wave of phone line disconnections for customers who haven’t connected their SIM cards to their National Identity Numbers (NINs).
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) issued a directive requiring all registered SIMs without valid NIN linking to be either fixed or entirely disconnected from networks. As a result, the disconnections are scheduled to occur on Friday, March 29.
Commencing on February 28, 2024, the NIN-SIM Linkage procedure is a component of the government’s endeavour to counter illicit acts including kidnapping and banditry, with the ultimate goal of strengthening national security.
There are hints of a potential third phase in April 2024.
Operators have reportedly collaborated with the NCC in implementing the directive, demonstrating their dedication to national security objectives and ensuring full compliance by the specified deadlines.
The second phase will target subscribers with five or more SIMs from a single operator that lack verified NIN-SIM linkages.
The third phase, scheduled to start on April 15, will focus on subscribers with four SIMs or fewer and unverified NINs.
While telecom companies are advocating for a review and extension of the April deadline for the third phase, indications from the NCC suggest a firm commitment to the established timelines.
The first phase resulted in the barring of 40 million lines, including approximately 17 million active SIMs without NIN submissions and 23 million inactive SIMs lacking NINs over the past year.