The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has instructed telecommunication operators to reconnect all phone lines that were disconnected due to the NIN-SIM verification exercise. Over the weekend, many subscribers found their lines blocked because their National Identification Numbers (NINs) had not been linked to their Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs), leading to protests at MTN offices across the country on Monday, July 29, 2024.
In response to the disruptions caused by the blockages, the NCC has mandated the immediate reactivation of all affected lines for a limited period. This measure aims to provide subscribers with additional time to verify and link their NINs with their SIMs properly.
Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, stated that the reactivation period is temporary to facilitate the proper linking of NINs to SIMs. The NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized the importance of this exercise for enhancing national security and ensuring the accuracy of the national SIM ownership database.
The statement highlighted that since December 2023, the deadline for the NIN-SIM verification has been extended multiple times, with the latest deadline set for July 31, 2024. Despite these extensions, many subscribers have not completed the verification process. The NCC reiterated its commitment to prioritizing consumers’ needs and urged those who have yet to verify their SIMs to do so promptly to maintain access to their lines.