Telecom companies in Nigeria are gearing up for another round of subscriber disconnections who have failed to link their National Identification Numbers (NIN) with their SIM cards.
This forthcoming disconnection, slated for Friday, March 29, 2024, follows a directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) requiring all registered SIMs lacking proper NIN linkage to be either corrected or completely disconnected from networks.
The ongoing process, which commenced on February 28, 2024, is part of the government’s efforts to curb criminal activities like banditry and kidnapping, contributing to enhancing national security.
The disconnection unfolds in stages, with the first phase implemented on February 28, 2024, and the second phase scheduled for March 29, 2024. There are indications of a potential third phase in April 2024.
Operators have reportedly cooperated with the NCC in executing the directive, affirming their commitment to national security objectives and assuring full compliance by the specified deadlines.
The second phase will target subscribers with five or more SIMs from a single operator lacking verified NIN-SIM linkages.
The third phase, set to commence on April 15, will focus on subscribers with four SIMs or fewer and unverified NINs.
While telecom companies seek a review and extension of the April deadline for the third phase, indications from the NCC suggest a steadfast adherence to the established timelines.
The first phase saw the barring of 40 million lines, comprising around 17 million active SIMs without NIN submissions and 23 million inactive SIMs lacking NINs over the past year.
