NCC Gives Fresh Order as Telcos Block Nigerians' Lines Over NIN, "Do as Soon as Possible"

• The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators to immediately reactivate phone lines that were disconnected due to NIN-SIM verification issues
• The commission said the temporary reactivation is to allow consumers more time to link their National Identification Number (NIN) to their SIM cards
• The NCC urged the public to verify their SIMs as soon as possible to maintain access to their phone lines

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public journalism.

FCT, Abuja - The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Monday, July 29, directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend.

In a statement signed by Reuben Muoka, director of public affairs of the commission, and sighted by Legit.ng, the NCC said it took the decision given the short time available for consumers to undertake the verification of their NINs with their SIMs.

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The statement by the NCC partly reads:

"Reactivated consumers are to note that this is for a limited period to allow them to properly link their NIN to their SIM.

"Members of the public who are yet to verify their SIMs are encouraged to do so as soon as possible to maintain access to their lines."

MTN: NIN-SIM linkage deadline looms

Legit.ng reports that since December 2023, the NCC has reviewed the deadline several times. The latest deadline, set for April 15, 2024, had mandated full network barring for subscribers with four or fewer SIMs that have unverified NIN details.

However, it was later reviewed to Wednesday, July 31, 2024, to give consumers more time to ensure their submitted NIN details are properly verified.

Read more on NIN-SIM linkage

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• Nigerians protest as MTN blocks lines, gives condition for unblocking line
• MTN releases easy steps to unblock line as telcos begin final phase of SIM disconnection
• NCC reportedly extends deadline for some categories of users to link NINs to SIMS

How to unbar MTN line

Earlier, Legit.ng explained how to unbar an MTN line blocked due to NIN issue.

Numerous MTN Nigeria subscribers have decried the telecom’s decision to bar their telephone lines over NIN-SIM linkage without prior warning.

Many users of the South African telephone service provider woke up to the reality that they could not make or receive telephone calls or access the Internet, causing a large crowd at several MTN offices across Nigeria.

Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng