The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed the immediate reactivation of cell phone lines that were barred by telecommunications companies, citing the difficulties these blockages have caused for many subscribers.
This directive was announced in a statement by the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Reuben Muoka, in Abuja on Monday.
Muoka explained that over the weekend, many subscribers were unable to access their phone lines due to issues with verifying their National Identification Numbers (NINs) with their Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs). As a result, their numbers were blocked by service providers in accordance with NIN-SIM linkage regulations.
“Telecoms consumers and the public will recall the compulsory linkage of NIN with SIM which began in December 2020 when the government directed telecommunication companies to bar unregistered SIM cards and SIMs that were not linked to NIN,” Muoka said.
He added that the Commission had extended the verification deadline multiple times, with the final deadline set for July 31, 2024, to allow consumers more time for proper verification. Despite these extensions, many phone lines remain unlinked with verified NINs.
The objectives of the NIN-SIM linkage exercise include enhancing national security and ensuring the accuracy of the national SIM ownership database.
Muoka emphasized, “The consumer is our priority, therefore, considering the challenges the blockages have caused, the Commission has directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend.”
This reactivation is intended to give consumers additional time to verify their NINs with their SIMs.
He urged those who have not yet completed the verification to do so promptly to maintain access to their lines. (NAN)