The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has ordered telecom operators to immediately restore phone lines blocked due to unverified National Identification Numbers (NINs) linked to Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs).
This follows a weekend of disruptions, where many subscribers were unable to access their phone lines due to non-compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy.
Introduced in December 2020, the policy aims to enhance national security and maintain an accurate SIM ownership database. Despite deadline extensions to April 15, 2024, and later July 31, 2024, many phone lines remain unlinked to verified NINs.
To address the challenges caused by the blockages, the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, said in a statement on Monday that the NCC has temporarily reactivated affected lines, giving consumers a limited time to complete the verification process.
Mr. Muoka urged subscribers to verify their SIMs promptly to maintain access to their lines and enjoy the benefits of a robust digital economy.
He emphasized the importance of prioritizing consumers and encouraged those yet to verify their SIMs to do so as soon as possible.
“The consumer is our priority, therefore, considering the challenges the blockages have caused, the Commission has directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend in view of the short time available for consumers to undertake the verification of their NINs with their SIMs.
” Reactivated consumers are to note that this is for a limited period to allow them to properly link their NIN to their SIM.
“Members of the public who are yet to verify their SIMs are encouraged to do so as soon as possible to maintain access to their lines”, he said.