Good News: NCC Orders MTN, Airtel, Others To Reactivate All Blocked SIM Cards, Gives Reasons
- The NCC has ordered telecom operators to restore phone lines that were blocked due to NIN-SIM linkage issues
- The commission said the directive prioritises consumer needs and allows a temporary reactivation period
- Subscribers are, however, urged to complete their NIN-SIM linkage immediately to prevent future disconnections
Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has over a decade of business journalism experience with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and general market trends.
The Nigerian Communications Commission has directed telecommunications operators to restore all phone lines blocked due to non-linkage of National Identification Numbers to SIM cards.
Source: Getty Images
Reuben Muoka, NCC's director of media and public affairs, made this known in a statement on Monday, July 29, 2024.
The commission stated that consumer priority guided its directive due to the short time available for consumers to complete NIN-SIM verification.
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The press statement reads:
"The objectives of this exercise by the Federal Government of Nigeria include enhancing national security and ensuring the national SIM ownership database is accurate. The NIN-SIM linkage policy aids in verifying and protecting users’ identities while also providing a critical infrastructure that assures access to the benefits of a robust digital economy for the citizenry.
“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 in view of the short time available for consumers to undertake the verification of their NINs with their SIMs.
“Reactivated consumers are to note that this is for a limited period to allow them to properly link their NIN to their SIM.”
Nigerians rush to MTN offices
Legit.ng had earlier reported that several telecommunications subscribers recently woke up to find their telephone lines barred days before the July 31, 2024, SIM-NIN linkage deadline.
This disconnection was a surprise to users, prompting many to besiege MTN, GLO, and Airtel stores in search of solutions.
Banks write customers on NIN, BVN update
In a related development, Nigerian banks earlier notified their customers of the need to update their bank account information with their Bank Verification Number (BVN) and National Identification Number (NIN).
The banks said the move was in response to the CBN's circular. In the circular, the CBN stated clearly that customers must link their bank accounts with their NIN and BVN.
Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
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Source: Legit.ng
