Telecommunications operators are preparing to disconnect mobile lines that have not been linked to National Identification Numbers, following the Nigerian Communications Commission’s September 14 deadline.
The NCC had announced in August that from September 15, no SIM card would remain active without a verified NIN.
The regulator urged subscribers who had not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage or encountered verification issues to visit their service providers before the deadline to update their details.
As of March 2024, data from the NCC indicated there were 219 million active mobile lines across networks such as MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile, with 153 million already linked to NIN.
This leaves approximately 66 million unlinked lines at risk of disconnection.
Between July 28 and 29, millions of lines were temporarily barred due to unverified NINs, causing widespread disruptions in the country.
The NCC had reversed its decision, giving subscribers more time to comply.
However, with the deadline now expired, disconnections will commence.
An NCC official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to a lack of authorization, dismissed the possibility of extending the deadline.
“We will disconnect anyone who refuses to comply; the grace period is over. The reason why we extended the last time was the misconception of Nigerians who claimed that the NCC wanted to frustrate the August 1 protest,” the official stated.
The official clarified that the commission has no intention of deliberately disconnecting subscribers.
“A significant number of Nigerians have opted not to link their SIMs to their NIN for various reasons.
“While there may be challenges at the Centres, it remains crucial to revisit and complete the process. Let me be clear—there will be no further extensions,” the official emphasised.
A few weeks ago, subscribers voiced frustration over difficulties encountered when uploading their details on the National Identity Management Commission portal.
The President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, Adeolu Ogungbanjo, described the situation as “terrible” after visiting some telecom centres, including MTN and Airtel.
He said that the existing portal challenges are obstructing the timely completion of the NIN-SIM linkage, adding, “Without immediate action, subscribers will struggle to meet the deadline.”
He urged the NCC to consider extending the deadline, citing the technical issues that plagued the registration process last week.
“NCC must be commended after a series of extensions but I believe they can still do that for maybe one week,” he said.
