NCC Gives Final Warning To Telcos On Linking NIN

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a directive to all mobile network operators, including major players like MTN and Glo, instructing them to block any SIM cards not registered with a National Identification Number (NIN) by the February 28, 2024 deadline.

This mandate underscores the determination of NCC to ensuring that all telecom subscribers are identifiable through their NIN, a crucial step aimed at curbing illegal activities facilitated through anonymous mobile phone usage.

The decision to enforce this regulation was announced on December 20, 2023, emphasizing the urgency for subscribers to link their SIM cards with their NINs to avoid service disruption. The NCC has been explicit in its communication, emphasizing that the primary objective behind this stringent measure of linking the NIN is to safeguard national security interests and enhance the integrity of telecom services across the country.

MTN, a prominent telecom operator affected by this directive, has proactively taken steps to facilitate compliance among its subscribers. The company has set specific deadlines for different scenarios involving NIN submission and verification, ensuring clarity and transparency in the process.

For instance, SIMs linked to an unverified NIN with five or more lines have until March 29 to comply, while those with fewer than five lines have until April 15. MTN has also reiterated its commitment to supporting subscribers through the verification process by bolstering the capacity of its service outlets and collaborating closely with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to expedite NIN verification.

This initiative on the linking of NIN is part of a broader effort by the NCC to regulate the telecom sector more effectively, ensuring service availability, affordability, and sustainability for all Nigerians. The commission has introduced various consumer-friendly measures, such as the implementation of Harmonised Short Codes across all networks, which came into effect on May 17, 2023.

These proactive measures underscore the NCC’s dedication to prioritizing customer satisfaction and upholding high standards of service delivery in the telecom industry. Moreover, this move is expected to have a significant positive impact on the nation’s GDP, given the pivotal role of the telecoms industry in Nigeria’s economic landscape.

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