Nigeria’s NIN-SIM Linkage Deadline Expires, Disconnections to Commence

In a move aimed at boosting national security and improving the efficiency of telecommunications services, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has set a deadline for mobile telephone lines to be linked to National Identification Numbers (NIN). As of September 14, telecommunications operators are expected to start disconnecting mobile telephone lines that are not linked to NIN, leaving approximately 66 million unlinked lines at risk of disconnection.

According to the NCC, the decision to disconnect unlinked lines is a result of the expiration of the September 14 deadline set by the commission. The NCC had previously encouraged subscribers who were yet to complete their NIN-SIM linkage or have faced issues due to verification mismatches to visit their service providers promptly to update their details before the deadline.

As of March 2024, data from the NCC showed 219 million active lines across mobile networks such as MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile, with 153 million already linked to NIN. The remaining 66 million unlinked lines are at risk of disconnection, which could lead to disruptions in communication services.

The NCC official emphasized that the commission has no intention of deliberately disconnecting subscribers, stating that a significant number of Nigerians have opted not to link their SIMs to their NIN for various reasons. The official also clarified that while there may be challenges at the Centres, it remains crucial to revisit and complete the process, adding that there will be no further extensions.

Subscribers have expressed frustration over the challenges they face in uploading their details on the National Identity Management Commission portal. The President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, Adeolu Ogungbanjo, described the situation as "terrible" after visiting some telecom centres, including MTN and Airtel.

The compulsory linkage of NIN with SIM cards began in December 2020, when the government ordered telcos to bar unregistered SIMs and those without NIN links. Following multiple deadline extensions by the NCC since December 2023, April 15, 2024, was set as the final deadline for fully barring subscribers with four or fewer SIMs having unverified NIN details.

In March, the NIMC and NCC strengthened their partnership to streamline the NIN-SIM linkage process. Both agencies launched public awareness campaigns, stakeholder training, and the dissemination of accurate information to help citizens comply with the directives.

According to financial results from the first half of 2024, MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa barred a combined 13.5 million lines for non-compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage directive. MTN reported it had blocked 8.6 million lines, while Airtel stated that 8.7 million of its customers had completed verification.

The NCC’s decision to disconnect unlinked lines is aimed at improving national security and enhancing the efficiency of telecommunications services. As the deadline for disconnection approaches, subscribers are advised to visit their service providers promptly to update their details and avoid any disruptions in their communication services.