The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a new directive mandating the immediate reactivation of all SIM cards previously blocked by telecom companies across the country.Â
This action follows widespread disconnections by MTN, affecting numerous subscribers who had not linked their National Identification Numbers (NIN) to their SIM cards.
The NCC’s decision comes amid ongoing regulatory efforts to enforce the NIN-SIM linkage policy introduced in December 2020. Initially set deadlines for compliance were extended several times, most recently to July 31, 2024.
Despite MTN’s initial strict enforcement, recent reports indicate a partial reversal, allowing affected users to resume voice and data services without completing the required NIN registration.
Additionally, there have been reports of public protests at MTN offices nationwide in response to the SIM card deactivations, underscoring the significant impact on telecommunications users across Nigeria.
