The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecommunications operators to immediately restore all blocked phone lines due to non-linkage of National Identification Numbers (NIN) to Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards.
In a statement on Monday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka, the telecommunications industry regulator explained that this directive was in response to the widespread disruption caused by the blockages and to prioritise 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, resulting in their numbers being blocked in compliance with NIN-SIM linkage regulations.
This development led to massive outrage on Monday as subscribers stormed MTN offices across the country, demanding the reactivation of their blocked phone 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 regulator said.
The mandatory linkage of NINs with SIMs, initiated in December 2020, aimed 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, 15 April 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 31 July 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 regulator clarified that the affected consumers should note that this reactivation is for a limited period to allow them 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 telcos, under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria, earlier clarified that the disconnection was unconnected to the August 1 protest.
Telecom operators explained that this harmonization process had been underway for several months and aimed to enhance the accuracy and integrity of the National SIM registration database.
“Customers who had their lines blocked recently are those whom their 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,” the group explained.
ALTON emphasized its commitment to supporting government efforts and safeguarding communication rights, data privacy, and security.
