Telecommunications operators in Nigeria have started disconnecting mobile phone lines that are not linked to National Identification Numbers (NINs), following the expiration of the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) deadline on September 14. This development comes after several previous extensions were granted to allow subscribers more time to complete the NIN-SIM linkage.
In a statement released in August, the NCC stressed that from September 15, all SIM cards not connected to verified NINs would be deactivated. The commission advised subscribers facing issues with their NIN-SIM linkage—such as verification mismatches—to visit their service providers and update their information before the deadline.
66 Million Lines at Risk of Disconnection
NCC data from March 2024 revealed that Nigeria had 219 million active mobile lines spread across major networks, including MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile. Out of these, 153 million lines were successfully linked to NINs, leaving about 66 million lines in danger of disconnection.
Earlier in July, millions of subscribers experienced temporary service interruptions when their lines were barred for two days due to unverified NINs, which caused significant disruptions across the country. While the NCC eventually reversed the decision and provided a grace period, the time has now run out, and the disconnection process is in full swing.
No More Extensions, Says NCC
An unnamed official from the NCC dismissed any possibility of further deadline extensions. “We will disconnect anyone who refuses to comply; the grace period is over,” the official stated, adding that the disconnection is necessary to ensure the success of the NIN-SIM linkage process, which is critical for national security.
Despite the deadline, many subscribers have voiced frustration over technical difficulties on the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) portal, which has caused delays in completing the linkage process. Adeolu Ogungbanjo, President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS), labeled the situation as “terrible” and called on the NCC to extend the deadline due to these unresolved issues.
NIN-SIM Linkage Pushes for National Security
In response to the challenges, the NIMC and NCC intensified public awareness campaigns earlier this year to streamline the NIN-SIM linkage process. These efforts included public awareness initiatives, stakeholder training, and more accessible information channels. Despite these efforts, major network providers like MTN and Airtel reported that they had barred a combined 13.5 million lines in the first half of 2024 for non-compliance.
The NIN-SIM linkage policy, introduced in December 2020, was implemented as part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance national security and regulate mobile network usage across Nigeria.
