In response to concerns raised by consumers, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has shed light on the reasons behind the deactivation of millions of SIM cards that were previously linked to National Identification Numbers (NINs).
According to a report by DailyScoop, telecom operators in the country have recently deactivated over 40 million telephone lines due to the subscribers’ failure to link their SIM cards with their NINs by the February 28, 2024, deadline.
The implementation of this regulatory directive by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) followed a reminder from the NCC to telecom service providers to deactivate subscribers who had not linked their phone numbers to their NINs by the specified deadline. Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, confirmed that at least 40 million telephone lines were barred as a result of non-compliance.
Adebayo explained that the affected customers were those who had not submitted their NINs at all or participated in the harmonization program. He highlighted that despite repeated warnings, a significant number of individuals had failed to register their SIMs or provide their NINs to the operators, leading to the high number of deactivated lines.
Addressing the confusion surrounding the deactivation of SIMs previously linked to NINs, Mr. Reuben Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs (DPA) at NCC, clarified in an interview on Channels TV that some consumers had initially submitted “bad” NINs, which resulted in their SIM cards being deactivated. Muoka explained that verification and identification issues, such as disparities in the information provided, were among the reasons for deactivation. He also noted that some subscribers’ NINs were yet to be verified by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and needed to be corrected.
Muoka emphasized the strategic importance of the SIM-NIN linkage exercise, stating that it not only served the “Know Your Customer” (KYC) principle for accessing social services but also had implications for national planning and addressing security concerns. He highlighted that NINs could be utilized by relevant authorities to track criminals, such as kidnappers, armed bandits, and terrorists.
Acknowledging the complaints from consumers who had previously linked their SIMs with their NINs, Muoka acknowledged that some telephone lines were barred because the information provided did not match the details registered with the Telcos. To rectify the issue, affected subscribers were advised to visit their service providers’ outlets to validate their NINs and resolve any related matters. However, Muoka mentioned that this process would currently require physical visits but expressed hope for future virtual alternatives.
The NCC’s latest industry data revealed that Nigeria had over 224 million telephone lines as of December 2023. MTN Nigeria held the largest market share with over 87 million subscribers, followed by Globacom and Airtel with 61 million subscribers each, and 9mobile with 13.9 million users.
Regarding the possibility of extending the deadline for the SIM-NIN linkage exercise, the NCC emphasized that no further extensions would be granted. The deadline had been strictly enforced, with service providers initiating the deactivation process ahead of the cutoff date.
The regulatory Commission also announced plans to conduct an audit and requested updated data from the MNOs in Nigeria.