The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) clarified yesterday that SIM cards previously linked to National Identification Numbers (NIN) were barred due to discrepancies and issues with the NIN data. Reuben Muoka, the NCC spokesperson, addressed this matter during an interview on Channels Television’s breakfast program, The Morning Brief. Muoka explained that some SIM cards had been barred because the NINs associated with them were not verified or cleared. He mentioned that the information submitted for verification had inconsistencies, including disparities in names and other data.
Muoka acknowledged that there are still subscribers whose NINs are yet to be verified by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and these issues need to be addressed. Many subscribers had previously linked their NINs with their SIM cards years ago, but Muoka emphasized that some lines were barred because the information on the NIN needed to match the details registered with the SIM cards.
To resolve these issues, Muoka stated that subscribers would need to visit the outlets of their service providers to validate their NINs and address any other related matters. While requiring physical visits, Muoka expressed hope that this process could be done virtually in the future.
The NCC had issued a directive to telecom service providers to bar subscribers who failed to link their phone numbers to their NIN by February 28, 2024. As of December 2023, Nigeria had over 224 million lines, with MTN having the highest market share at 38.79%. Millions of lines were barred at the deadline’s expiration, and Muoka stressed that there would be no further extensions.
Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), stated that at least 40 million telephone lines had been barred by last weekend. He attributed this to subscribers who still needed to submit their NINs, emphasizing that many people communicate without registration.
Adebayo confirmed industry compliance with regulatory directives and stated that suspended services would remain suspended until the NINs are submitted, verified, and linked to the SIM cards.
Muoka reiterated that the objective of NIN-SIM linkage is to provide Nigerians with a digital identity to address security concerns. He highlighted the convenience digital services offer when identity information is consolidated, citing the example of banks requiring customers to link their NINs to their Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs).
The NCC aims to streamline digital services and enhance security through NIN-SIM linkage, ensuring subscribers’ identities are accurately verified and linked to their SIM cards.
