Mobile network operator, 9mobile, once again urges its customers to link their SIMs with their National Identification Number, emphasizing that all unlinked lines will be completely disconnected starting February 29, 2024.
9mobile’s Director of Customer Care, Ehimare Omoike, warned customers through a statement from the company, underscoring that this action aligns with the directive of the Nigerian Communications Commission.
As outlined by Omoike, customers failing to comply with this directive will experience an inability to make or receive calls, lack access to the internet, no SMS, no One Time Password (OTP), and no bank alerts.
The NCC, in December 2023, mandated that all telephone subscribers must link their NIN on their operator’s network to verify the identity of phone users and reduce the criminal use of network services. The deadline was set as over 35% of subscribers’ lines remained unlinked to their NIN.
In contrast to previous actions where lines were partially barred, Ehimare emphasized that customers with mobile lines not linked to their NIN will face a complete disconnection from all telecommunication services provided by the network.
“Your line will be disconnected when you do not link your SIM to your National Identity Number. The implication here is that as a subscriber on the 9mobile network, you will be completely shut out from access to the virtual world and you will be greatly inconvenienced.
“We therefore urge all our valued subscribers to endeavor to link their mobile lines with their NIN before February 28, 2024, to keep enjoying endless and seamless value offerings that enhance their lifestyle from 9mobile,” he stated.
Subscribers are advised to promptly link their lines by visiting 9mobile outlets for instant linking or checking the nearest 9mobile experience centers through its website.
The mandatory registration of the National Identity Number (NIN) by Nigerians and the subsequent linking of the NIN to their Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards is a policy instated by the Federal Government through the NCC. This initiative aims to enhance the integrity and transparency of the SIM registration process and build upon the achievements of the 2019 SIM registration exercise.
The long-term objective is to establish a widespread digital identity database and bolster security in Nigeria. The linking process involves validating the NIN with the National Identity Management Commission and verifying the subscriber’s NIN records with the SIM registration information to ensure accurate subscriber identification.
