NCC Orders Telcos to Unblock SIM Cards
Over the weekend, many Nigerians, like Nike Benson, faced unexpected disruptions when their phone lines were blocked, leaving them unable to make or receive calls. Nike, who has used her line for over 20 years, discovered that her SIM registration did not match her National Identification Number (NIN) details. She is one of many subscribers affected by the telecommunication firms’ actions to bar lines not linked with NINs, following a directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) that set a final deadline for July 31, 2024.
The mass disconnection aimed to enforce the NIN-SIM linkage mandate, which had seen multiple extensions since it began in December 2020. However, many subscribers, like Nike, found their lines blocked prematurely, leading to widespread frustration. This disconnect affected at least 50 million lines, with many subscribers complaining at telco stores across the country.
The NCC has since intervened, directing all telecom operators to reactivate the barred lines. The commission’s statement emphasized the importance of consumer rights and acknowledged the inconvenience caused. Reuben Muoka, NCC’s director of public affairs, noted that the reactivation would be temporary, allowing affected subscribers time to correctly link their NINs to their SIM cards. The regulatory body highlighted that the suspension of services was due to a mismatch between SIM registration records and NIN data.
Despite the lifting of the disconnection, the situation created confusion and anger among subscribers, with long queues reported at various telecom stores. In some locations, there were even reports of near-violence and vandalism as frustrated customers sought to resolve their issues. The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) clarified that the blockages were unrelated to any planned national protests and were strictly about compliance with the NIN-SIM registration policy.
Telcos, including MTN, have issued guidelines to help subscribers rectify their registration details. While the reactivation provides temporary relief, the NCC has not confirmed if this grace period will extend beyond the original deadline. Subscribers are encouraged to complete their NIN-SIM verification promptly to avoid future disruptions. Musa Aliu, an Abuja-based subscriber, expressed relief at the NCC’s intervention and plans to ensure his line is properly linked by the given deadline.
