Telecommunications operators in Nigeria are set to begin disconnecting mobile lines that are not linked to National Identification Numbers (NINs) following the expiration of the September 14 deadline set by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
From September 15 onward, SIM cards that remain unlinked to NINs will no longer be active.
The NCC had urged subscribers facing challenges with NIN-SIM linkage or verification mismatches to promptly visit their service providers to resolve these issues before the deadline.
As of March 2024, data from the NCC indicated that 153 million out of 219 million active mobile lines across networks like MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile had been linked to NINs, leaving approximately 66 million unlinked lines at risk of disconnection.
In July, millions of mobile lines were temporarily barred due to unverified NINs, causing significant disruptions. The NCC reversed that decision, giving subscribers additional time to comply.
However, with the latest deadline now passed, disconnections will commence without further extensions.
An anonymous NCC official confirmed that there will be no further grace period, stating, “We will disconnect anyone who refuses to comply; the grace period is over.”
Challenges at registration centers and issues with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) portal have caused frustration among subscribers.
The President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, Adeolu Ogungbanjo, described the situation as “terrible” and urged the NCC to consider extending the deadline due to technical difficulties faced by many users.
Despite these concerns, the NCC remains firm in its decision, signaling the end of the NIN-SIM linkage extension period.
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