Millions of Phone Lines Blocked as Nigeria Enforces NIN-SIM Linkage Deadline

In a move to comply with the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) directive, telecommunications companies in Nigeria have blocked millions of phone lines from making and receiving calls. This action is part of the final phase to associate subscribers’ National Identification Numbers (NINs) with all active SIM cards in the country.

The NCC had originally set an April 15, 2024 deadline for completing the NIN-SIM linkage exercise, but this was later extended to July 31, 2024. Despite this extension, many subscribers continue to encounter challenges in linking their NINs with their SIM cards, particularly due to discrepancies in personal information such as name, photo, or date of birth.

“Telcos have blocked millions of phone lines as part of the process to associate NINs with active SIM cards,” stated a senior industry analyst. “The deadline imposed by the NCC to complete this process is July 31, 2024.”

The current phase of the NIN-SIM linkage exercise requires operators to verify all NINs submitted to ensure they match the SIM registration database. Airtel, one of the major telecommunications providers, reported that the NINs of approximately 4.9 million of its customers have yet to be verified.

“Many subscribers have ignored messages from telcos about the need to correct irregularities in their NIN and SIM data,” the analyst added. “Subscribers with deactivated lines can reactivate them by visiting their service providers to update their records.”

This initiative is part of the Nigerian government’s broader effort to harmonize NIN-SIM data, requiring all users to provide valid NIN information for updating SIM registration records. In December 2023, the NCC directed telcos to bar all SIMs that failed to submit NINs by February 28, 2024, although this deadline was subsequently extended to July 31, 2024.

Moreover, new guidelines stipulate that no customer can maintain more than four active phone lines, with any excess SIM needing to be barred by March 29, 2024.

“These requirements are part of the government’s effort to streamline the NIN-SIM data and enhance security measures,” the analyst explained. “Telcos are facing challenges as many subscribers have irregularities with their NIN-SIM linkage, but they are working diligently to ensure compliance before the final deadline.”

The NCC’s push for NIN-SIM harmonization aims to bolster national security and facilitate more effective management of the telecommunications sector in Nigeria.