Telecommunications operators in Nigeria, such as MTN, Airtel, and Globacom, has been instructed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to implement comprehensive network barring for all phone lines without linked National Identification Numbers (NINs) by February 28, 2024.
MTN Nigeria, in a notice to the Nigeria Stock Exchange, revealed the NCCs directive. Lines connected to unverified NINs will be barred on or before March 29, 2024, if five or more lines are linked. Similarly, for less than five lines associated with an unverified NIN, barring will occur on or before April 15, 2024. All affected subscribers are required to undergo verification (biometrics and biodata) before their lines can be unbarred.
This directive follows the NCCs initial instruction on April 4, 2022, which required operators to restrict outgoing calls (one-way barring) for subscribers with unlinked NINs.
MTN expressed its commitment to ensuring compliance with the NCC directive, enhancing service outlets, and collaborating with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to expedite the NIN verification process.
The telecom company encouraged subscribers without linked NINs to take immediate action by visiting outlets or using digital channels before the deadlines. Those without a NIN were urged to enroll at any of the NIMCs nationwide centers.
Since the initiation of the mandatory NIN-SIM Linkage exercise in December 2020, telecom operators initially faced a loss of over 20 million subscriptions. However, active subscriptions rebounded to over 200 million as of August, with the new directive expected to impact operatorsdatabases as unlinked lines face further restrictions.
As the deadline for the comprehensive deactivation of unlinked SIM cards approaches, telecom operators in Nigeria are gearing up for potential challenges. The upcoming restrictions, particularly the full barring of phone lines without linked National Identification Numbers (NINs), may lead to significant disruptions for subscribers who have yet to comply.
Operators like MTN are intensifying their efforts to engage with subscribers through various channels, encouraging them to expedite the NIN verification process. MTN, in its notice, emphasised its commitment to working closely with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to facilitate a smoother and more efficient verification experience for subscribers.
Ugochi Olivia Ubah is an Educator and a Writer
