In response to the widespread disruption caused by the recent blocking of phone lines due to non-linkage of National Identification Numbers (NINs) to SIM cards, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a directive to telecommunications operators to immediately restore all affected lines.
This decision was made to prioritize consumer convenience
and address the significant impact the blockages have had on communication
services across the country.
The NCC understands the importance of maintaining
uninterrupted access to telecommunications services for citizens and
businesses, and this directive aims to rectify the situation promptly.
Over the weekend, numerous telecommunications subscribers
encountered difficulties in accessing their phone lines due to their failure to
verify their National Identification Numbers (NINs) with their SIM cards. This
resulted in the blocking of their phone numbers in accordance with the NIN-SIM
linkage regulations.
This situation led to widespread dissatisfaction on Monday,
as subscribers flocked to MTN offices nationwide, demanding the reactivation of
their suspended phone lines.
Recognizing the consumer as our primary focus, and
considering the challenges caused by the blockages, the Nigerian Communications
Commission (NCC) has instructed all operators to reactivate all lines that were
disconnected over the weekend.
This decision was made in light of the limited time
available for consumers to complete the verification of their NINs with their
SIMs.
The mandatory linkage of National Identity Numbers (NINs)
with Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs), initiated in December 2020, sought to
bolster national security and establish an accurate database of SIM ownership.
Despite multiple deadline extensions, including the most recent one set for
July 31, 2024, a significant number of lines remain unverified.
The commission has conducted comprehensive reviews of the
deadline on multiple occasions since December 2023. Initially, April 15, 2024,
was designated as the final date for the entire network, excluding subscribers
with four or fewer SIMs that had unverified NIN information.
This deadline was subsequently extended to July 31, 2024, to
provide consumers with additional time to ensure the proper verification of
their submitted NIN details.
In spite of these extensions, numerous phone lines have yet
to be connected with verified National Identification Numbers (NINs), the
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) expressed with regret.
The regulatory body clarified that the affected consumers
should be aware that this reactivation is for a limited duration to enable them
to appropriately link their NIN to their SIM.
The commission strongly encourages all subscribers who have
not yet verified their SIMs to do so promptly in order to maintain
uninterrupted access to their services.
In the meantime, the telecommunications companies,
represented by the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of
Nigeria (ALTON), have clarified that the service disruption was not related to
the protest on August 1.
The telecom operators explained that the ongoing
harmonization process, which has been underway for several months, aims to
improve 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 underscored its unwavering commitment to supporting
governmental initiatives and ensuring the protection of communication rights,
data privacy, and security.