Telecommunications operators have commenced the disconnection of mobile phone lines not linked to National Identification Numbers (NIN), following the expiration of the September 14 deadline set by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
In a statement released in August, the NCC reiterated that from September 15, SIM cards not linked to verified NINs would be deactivated. The commission urged subscribers with NIN-SIM linkage issues to resolve them with their service providers before the deadline.
Despite these efforts, approximately 66 million mobile lines, out of the 219 million active in Nigeria as of March 2024, remain unlinked and are now at risk of disconnection.
The NIN-SIM linkage policy, initiated in December 2020, aims to enhance security and regulate mobile network usage. However, the disconnection process has sparked concerns, with subscribers complaining of delays caused by technical issues with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) portal.
Adeolu Ogungbanjo, President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, criticized the process, calling for an extension of the deadline to address unresolved registration challenges.
Despite these concerns, an NCC official stated that no further extensions would be granted, stressing the importance of the NIN-SIM linkage for national security and regulation.
With disconnections underway, the focus remains on resolving ongoing technical challenges to prevent further disruptions for affected subscribers.
