DANGER ALERT! ! If You’re Using Glo, Mtn, Airtel Read This Immediately As NCC Sends Strong Waring, SEE Details
Telecommunications companies in Nigeria are preparing for a substantial wave of disconnections following the lapse of the Nigerian Communications Commission’ s (NCC) deadline on September 14. As of September 15, any mobile line not linked to a National Identification Number (NIN) is set to be deactivated, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to enforce the NIN- SIM linkage mandate.
In August, the NCC had clearly communicated to subscribers that those who had not yet linked their SIM cards to their NINs, or who faced issues with verification, needed to address these matters with their service providers before the deadline. A report from the NCC in March 2024 indicated that Nigeria had 219 million active mobile lines across major networks such as MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile. Of these, 153 million lines were successfully linked to NINs, leaving around 66 million lines vulnerable to disconnection.
This move is not unprecedented. In late July, millions of lines were temporarily suspended due to the lack of verified NINs, causing considerable disruption and frustration among users. Although the NCC later lifted the suspension and granted additional time for compliance, the extended deadline has now passed, and disconnections are imminent.
An anonymous NCC official has confirmed that no further extensions will be granted. The official explained that the previous extension was a response to public confusion and protests that emerged in early August. While the NCC aimed to minimize inconvenience, the large number of Nigerians who had not completed the NIN- SIM linkage necessitated firm action. The official underscored the finality of the grace period, emphasizing that it had now come to an end.
Despite the authorities’ efforts to facilitate the process, many subscribers have struggled to complete the NIN- SIM linkage. Recent reports highlight ongoing technical difficulties with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) portal, which is crucial for processing the linkage. Adeolu Ogungbanjo, President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, has voiced his frustration over the situation. He described the challenges faced by users at various telecom centers, such as MTN and Airtel, where persistent portal problems have delayed the completion of the process.
In light of these ongoing issues, Ogungbanjo has appealed to the NCC for a short extension to provide additional time for those still grappling with technical difficulties. Although he recognized the previous extensions, he suggested that a one- week grace period could alleviate the pressure on affected subscribers. However, the NCC remains resolute in its decision not to grant any further extensions.
The initiative to link NINs with SIM cards began in December 2020, following a government directive to block unlinked SIMs. Since March 2024, both the NIMC and NCC have ramped up their efforts to ensure compliance, including public awareness campaigns, stakeholder training, and the dissemination of information. Despite these comprehensive efforts, a significant number of subscribers remain at risk of disconnection.
The financial impact of the NIN- SIM mandate has been substantial, as reflected in reports for the first half of 2024. MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa, two of the country’ s leading telecom operators, collectively blocked 13. 5 million lines due to non- compliance. MTN alone reported blocking 8. 6 million lines, while Airtel noted that 8. 7 million of its subscribers had successfully completed the verification process.
In summary, the enforcement of the NIN- SIM linkage represents a crucial juncture in Nigeria’ s telecommunications landscape. While the NCC’ s firm stance on compliance highlights the importance of regulatory measures, the persistent technical challenges underscore the complexities involved in balancing enforcement with practical implementation. The ongoing issues faced by many subscribers reflect the broader difficulties in achieving a seamless transition to the mandated system.
