Telcos say 30m SIM lines risk disconnections over improper NIN linkage

The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has disclosed that over 30 million phone lines in Nigeria that are not properly linked to a National Identification Number (NIN) risk being disconnected.
ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo who made this revelation noted that these lines span various digital devices including car trackers, MiFi units, WiFi devices, and Point of Sale (POS) machines.
Adebayo made this known during an interview on News Central on Thursday.
“The numbers are staggering. We are looking at potentially over 30 million SIM cards, including those in various digital devices, that have not been properly linked to the NIN. Many of these SIMs are in car trackers, POS machines, MiFis, WiFis, and many other devices that use SIMs to operate”.
This disclosure follows recent confusion caused by the unblocking of lines that were not connected to their NINs.
Last weekend, telecom operators began barring phone lines not linked with NINs days before the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) July 31, 2024 deadline.
Since February 2024, telecom operators have been implementing a phased disconnection of phone lines in compliance with an NCC directive.
At the end of 2023, the regulator mandated that telcos disconnect lines that had not been successfully linked with NIN across three phases, culminating on July 31, 2024.
Over the weekend, at least three million phone lines were initially blocked before the NCC instructed telcos to restore the blocked lines.
Adebayo clarified that these subscribers were disconnected due to discrepancies in records between telecom operators and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
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“There are instances where individuals provided their NINs, but the information did not match our records,” Adebayo noted.
“These discrepancies must be resolved at service centers to ensure proper verification.”
While the timing of the disconnections coincided with nationwide protests, Adebayo emphasised that there was no correlation as the action had commenced long before the protests.
“Unfortunately, the disconnection coincided with the planned protests, but it had nothing to do with stifling communication,” he said.
“We are guided by our social contract with subscribers and provide services on a non-discriminatory basis.”
The ALTON Chairman also highlighted the critical role of accurate data in building a reliable national database, urging individuals to provide truthful and consistent information during registration to avoid future complications.
“To have a reliable and equipped national database, all of us must contribute accurate information,” Adebayo urged.
“This database can only be as reliable as the information provided by the public.”
In response to the challenges posed by the disconnections, Adebayo mentioned that the NCC has directed all operators to reactivate lines that were disconnected over the weekend, allowing consumers a limited period to properly link their NIN to their SIM.
“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,” Adebayo stated.
“Reactivated consumers are to note that this is for a limited period to allow them to properly link their NIN to their SIM.”
By: Babajide Okeowo
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