Telecom operators in Nigeria have kicked off the final phase of SIM disconnections for numbers not linked to National Identification Numbers (NIN). This move follows an initial deadline extension from April 15 to July 31, 2024, granted by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) to address subscribers’ challenges.
According to senior officials, the disconnection affects not only MTN but the entire telecom industry. The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) is expected to issue a statement regarding the ongoing process.
The disconnection effort, which began in February, targets subscribers who fail to link their SIM cards with NINs by the new deadline. The first and second phases of the process saw approximately 40 million lines barred. The latest phase addresses issues related to excessive SIM cards registered under a single phone number.
Concerns have been raised about the disconnection of lines that have already been linked to NINs, with users reporting service interruptions despite completing the linking process. This has led to a surge of complaints on social media, with some users accusing the telecom companies of mishandling the process.
The NCC has emphasized that the directive aims to enhance security by addressing challenges linked to terrorism and criminal activities. However, some telecom operators have criticized the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for slow verification times, impacting the finalization of customer registrations.
ALTON’s chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, has acknowledged ongoing issues with verification and validation, which are handled by NIMC rather than telecom operators. He noted that feedback has been provided to the NCC, which will determine if further extensions or adjustments are needed.
Telecom companies, including Airtel Africa, have reported potential revenue losses due to the verification delays. Meanwhile, an industry-wide audit is underway to address billing transparency and resolve customer complaints related to data usage and service quality.
The final phase of the SIM disconnection process underscores the need for subscribers to ensure their NIN linkage is up to date to avoid service interruptions.
