NIN-SIM linkage: Telcos set for another disconnection March 29

Telecom operators in the country may embark on another wave of disconnection of subscribers on their networks, without proper National Identification Number, NIN linkage to their Subscriber Identity Module, SIM numbers. This disconnection which will happen Friday, 29th March 2024 is in adherence to the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC”s directive that all registered SIMs that are not properly linked with the NIN should be barred until corrected or subsequently diconnected to the network entirely. The exercise which began to take effect February 28, 2024 is an ongoing process which the federal government designed to checkmate activities of bandits, kidnappers and other criminals who breach the country’s peaceful security atmosphere with their activities. 

The NCC disconnection directive is in phases. While the first phase happened February 28, 2024, the second phase is due March 29, 2024.. It was gathered that the third phase may also happen sometime in April, 2024.  A reliable source from the Commission said that the operators have been cooperative with the commission on the excercise, knowing the collective interest behind effective implementation of the directive. The source also said the Commission has received assurances from the operators that they will fully comply with the directive on the slated date.  Those who will be affected by this second phase of barring/disconnection are subscribers who have five SIMs and above from one operator, who are also found to have unverified NIN – SIM linkages. 

The third phase, it was gathered, will commence on  April 15, when operators will bar subscribers with four SIMs and below, whose NINs are unverified. Although, the telcos are said to be appealing to be Commission to review and extend the April deadline for the third phase, a reliable source also said NCC’s body language does not show it will yield. In the first phase, some 40 million lines were barred. They contained about 17 million SIMs, which were active for three months, but failed to submit NINs. The other 23 million SIMs, were those that were not active in the last one year and without NINs.