Telecom companies set to disconnect SIMs without proper NIN linkage

In line with the directive of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, telecommunication companies providing services are set to begin another round of disconnection exercise from Friday, March 29, 2023.

The exercise followed a directive by the NCC which mandated service providers to disconnect all registered SIMs without proper NIN linkage to be either connected or completely disconnected from networks.

The NIN-SIM Linkage process, which began on February 28, 2024, is part of the government’s initiative to combat criminal activities such as banditry and kidnapping, ultimately bolstering national security.

There are hints of a potential third phase in April 2024.

Operators have reportedly collaborated with the NCC in implementing the directive, demonstrating their dedication to national security objectives and ensuring full compliance by the specified deadlines.

The second phase will target subscribers with five or more SIMs from a single operator that lack verified NIN-SIM linkages.

The third phase, scheduled to start on April 15, will focus on subscribers with four SIMs or fewer and unverified NINs.

While telecom companies are advocating for a review and extension of the April deadline for the third phase, indications from the NCC suggest a firm commitment to the established timelines.The first phase resulted in the barring of 40 million lines, including approximately 17 million active SIMs without NIN submissions and 23 million inactive SIMs lacking NINs over the past year.