40 Million Phone Lines Deactivated as Deadline for Linking SIMs to NIN Expires
Telecommunication operators in Nigeria have deactivated over 40 million telephone lines over the weekend following the expiration of the deadline set by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for linking Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs).
This significant action represents a staggering increase from the initial 12 million telephone lines that were slated for deactivation in accordance with the directive issued by the NCC.
The NCC had issued a notice in December 2023 instructing telecom operators to deactivate SIMs that were not linked to their owners' NINs by February 28, 2024. Despite calls for an extension of the deadline, the Director of Public Affairs at NCC, Reuben Mouka, firmly ruled out any possibility of an extension and warned of sanctions against telcos failing to comply with the directive.
In light of the potential disruption caused by the mass deactivation of phone lines, PUNCH Online has provided a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to link mobile numbers to NIN using the NIMC Personal Identity digital application.
Telecom users are advised to download the NIMC Personal Identity application from Google Store or Apple Store, which grants access to link up to 28 mobile numbers to their NINs. The process involves inputting the 11-digit NIN, retrieving it if unknown, confirming the linked number, receiving an OTP for verification, and finally linking the additional numbers.
Despite the inconvenience posed by the deactivation of unlinked SIMs, the NCC's directive aims to enhance security and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, underscoring the increasing importance of linking SIMs to NINs in Nigeria's telecommunications landscape.
