NIN-SIM linkage: Telcos bar mobile lines ahead of July 31 deadline

Telecommunications operators in Nigeria have blocked millions of lines from making and receiving calls as part of an effort to complete the process of linking subscribers’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) with their active SIMs.

This move is in response to the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) July 31, 2024 deadline to bar all subscribers whose NINs have not been verified.

Despite the extension of the original April 15, 2024 deadline to July 31, many subscribers still have irregularities with their NIN-SIM link. MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile have already disconnected millions of lines not linked with SIMs.

The current phase requires operators to verify all submitted NINs to ensure the owners’ details match those in the SIM registration database.

While the total number of affected lines across networks is not yet disclosed, Airtel’s quarterly results released on Friday revealed that the NINs of 4.9 million of its customers were yet to be verified.

An official from one of the mobile network operators, speaking anonymously to Nairametrics, explained that many subscribers had ignored messages from the telcos about the need to correct irregularities in their NIN and SIM data.

He stated, “We all received a directive from the NCC to bar all lines whose owners’ NIN has not been verified. As you are aware, the deadline is July 31, which is why some lines whose linked NINs have not been verified are being barred.”

He added, “All the affected subscribers on our network have received several messages informing them of the need to update their records.

“In most cases, you find out that the name on the NIN is not the same as the name used to register the SIM or there’s a photo mismatch or disparity in date of birth.

“Even though the subscriber had linked his or her line with NIN before, this requires the subscriber to update his or her records to perfect the linkage.”

The official noted that owners of barred lines can still reactivate their lines by visiting their service provider to update their records.

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