Users Of Phone Numbers Not Linked To NIN Will Be Disconnected Today—NCC

The federal government has said that there is no going back on its directive for mobile operators to disconnect telephone subscribers not linked to their National Identification Numbers (NIN) on or before February 28, 2024.

The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, said at the ongoing 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair.

The NCC boss was represented by Mr Reuben Mouka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs.

Late in December 2023, the NCC directed network service providers to implement full network barring on all phone lines for which the subscribers have not submitted their NIN and those whose NINs are unverified.

MTN Nigeria told customers late last year that, “With regard to NINs that have been submitted but not verified, such lines are to be barred on or before 29 March 2024, where five or more lines are linked to an unverified NIN.

“Similarly, where less than five lines are linked to an unverified NIN, such lines are to be barred on or before 15 April 2024.”

According to Maida, the issue of SIM-NIN linkage was an issue of national security.

“One major objective of linking subscribers’ NIN to SIM is to help improve and enhance national security in the country. As a critical matter of national security, telecom consumers must link their NIN to the SIM.

“To this end, the Commission has directed all telecommunication operators to bar phone lines of subscribers whose lines are not linked to their NINs on or before February 28, 2024,” the EVC said.

The EVC reiterated on NCC’s commitment to protecting consumers’ rights while ensuring their satisfaction.

Maida said, “As a regulator of the telecommunications sector in the country, the Commission carries out its functions to ensure service availability, affordability, and sustainability for all categories of consumers, who are leveraging on ICT/Telecoms to drive personal and business activities.”