Over the weekend, Nigerian telecommunication operators took a significant step in enforcing the mandate issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) regarding the linkage of Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs).
The operators deactivated over 40 million telephone lines nationwide after the expiry of the February 28, 2024 deadline.
Initially, the NCC had directed telcos to deactivate 12 million lines that had not been linked with NINs, but the actual number surged significantly, representing a substantial increase.
The deadline’s enforcement followed the NCC’s stern warning against extending the cutoff date.
Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), revealed the spike in the number of deactivated lines, attributing it to subscribers who failed to comply with the NIN linkage directive.
He emphasized that the barred lines included those without any NIN submission to operators.
The enforcement of the NIN-SIM linkage is part of the Nigerian government’s efforts to enhance security and streamline telecommunications operations.
Despite repeated warnings and notices, a considerable portion of subscribers failed to adhere to the directive, resulting in the mass deactivation of phone lines.
The NCC had previously urged telcos to adhere strictly to the directives, emphasizing the importance of compliance in strengthening security measures and ensuring regulatory adherence within the telecommunications sector.