NCC Orders Urgent Restoration of All Phone Lines Affected by NIN-SIM Issues

• NCC Orders Urgent Restoration of All Phone Lines Affected by NIN-SIM Issues, allowing consumers a limited period to properly link their NIN to their SIM and maintain access to their phone lines.
• NCC urges members of the public to verify their SIMs as soon as possible to comply with the NIN-SIM linkage policy, which aims to enhance national security and ensure accuracy of the national SIM ownership database.
• The deadline for the exercise has been extended multiple times, with the latest being July 31, 2024.

Newsypeople – In a decisive response to the difficulties faced by millions of Nigerians over the weekend, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has mandated all telecommunications companies to promptly reactivate blocked phone lines.

This initiative addresses the widespread issue stemming from consumers’ challenges in verifying their National Identification Numbers (NINs) with their Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) as part of the NIN-SIM linkage policy.

Details 

Objectives of the NIN-SIM Linkage Policy

The NIN-SIM linkage policy, launched in December 2020, serves several critical purposes:

• Enhancing National Security: The policy aims to bolster national security by ensuring that the identity of SIM card users is accurately verified.
• Accurate Database Management: It facilitates the creation of a reliable national SIM ownership database.
• Supporting Digital Economy: By protecting user identities, the policy lays the groundwork for a more robust digital economy.

NCC’s Directive to Telecom Operators

In a statement from Reuben Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, all telecom operators have been instructed to reactivate disconnected lines. This directive acknowledges the difficulties consumers have encountered and the limited timeframe available for completing the NIN-SIM verification process.

Press Statement

NCC Orders Immediate Reactivation of Lines Affected by NIN-SIM Verification Issues pic.twitter.com/kmDOjAaGlx

— ncc.gov.ng (@NgComCommission) July 29, 2024

Reactivation Period and Consumer Responsibility

Consumers whose lines have been reactivated are granted a limited period to link their NINs to their SIMs. The NCC emphasizes the importance of prompt verification to ensure continued access to phone services.

Backstory and Deadline Extensions

Since December 2023, the NCC has extended the deadline for the NIN-SIM linkage exercise multiple times. Initially set for April 15, 2024, the deadline for barring subscribers with unverified NINs was postponed to July 31, 2024, allowing consumers additional time to complete the verification process.

Addressing Rumors and Concerns

Telecom operators have recently addressed rumors suggesting that the barring of SIMs was a tactic to undermine an upcoming protest scheduled for August 1. They clarified that the timing of the barring was coincidental and not related to the planned demonstration.

This proactive approach by the NCC aims to alleviate consumer frustrations while reinforcing the importance of compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy.

FAQs

Q: What is the NIN-SIM linkage policy?

A: The NIN-SIM linkage policy requires all mobile subscribers in Nigeria to link their National Identification Numbers with their SIM cards to enhance security and reduce fraud.

Q: Why were phone lines blocked?

A: Phone lines were blocked due to the inability of many subscribers to verify their NINs with their SIMs, as mandated by the NCC.

Q: How long will the reactivation last?

A: The reactivation is temporary, allowing consumers a limited period to complete their NIN verification.

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