The National Identification Number-Subscriber Identity Module (NIN-SIM) linkage deadline expired on September 14, 2024, leaving approximately 65 million phone lines at risk of disconnection.
The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) had warned that no SIM card would remain active without a verified NIN from September 15.
_Telecom Operators Begin Disconnection_
Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, confirmed that the disconnection process is ongoing. “It’s difficult to provide exact numbers for the lines disconnected so far, but it’s certainly less than 66 million because, even on the day of the deadline, people were still linking their SIMs.”
_NCC Data Reveals Unlinked Lines_
According to the NCC’s March 2024 data, 219 million active lines exist across major networks, with only 153 million linked to NINs. This leaves about 66 million lines unlinked.
_Subscribers Appeal for Extension_
The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers urged the NCC to extend the deadline to September 22, citing technical glitches on the NIN portal. “Given the NIN portal’s technical glitches… it’s only fair that the NCC allows subscribers to make up for the lost time.”
_Previous Disruptions_
Between July 28 and 29, millions of lines were temporarily barred due to unverified NINs, causing widespread disruptions. The NCC had reversed its decision, giving subscribers more time to comply.
_Collaboration and Compliance_
In March, the NIMC and NCC formed a strategic collaboration to enhance NIN-SIM linkage processes. MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa reported blocking 13.5 million lines due to non-compliance.
_Initial Directive_
The compulsory NIN-SIM linkage,
