The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has mandated all telecommunications companies in Nigeria to immediately reactivate all lines that were recently barred due to issues related to National Identification Number (NIN) and SIM card verification.
This directive marks a sudden reversal from the NCC, which had initially set a July 31 deadline for telecom operators to disconnect all lines lacking verified NINs amidst ongoing public uproar and allegations of government interference with communication ahead of planned protests.
Over the weekend, millions of subscribers on networks including MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile found their lines deactivated, despite claims that their NINs had been duly linked before the deadline.
In a statement on Monday, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, acknowledged the disruption caused by the mass disconnections and ordered telecom operators to promptly restore services to affected subscribers.
“The consumer is our priority, and in light of the challenges posed by recent disconnections, the Commission instructs all operators to temporarily unbar affected lines,” Muoka stated.
The NCC underscored that the objective of the NIN-SIM linkage remains to enhance national security and maintain an accurate SIM ownership database. It emphasized that the reactivation is temporary and aimed at allowing subscribers more time to complete the NIN-SIM verification process.
The policy, initiated in December 2020 and subsequently extended, requires all SIM cards to be linked with verified NINs to mitigate security risks and bolster the digital economy.
Ahead of nationwide protests scheduled for August 1 to 10, some telecom operators refuted claims that the recent disconnections were politically motivated, attributing them to compliance with regulatory requirements.
The NCC’s move to reinstate barred lines reflects efforts to balance regulatory imperatives with consumer convenience and underscores ongoing challenges in implementing the NIN-SIM verification mandate nationwide.
