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Telecommunications companies in Nigeria have commenced the disconnection of Subscriber Identity Module numbers (telephone lines) not linked to the National Identification Numbers (NIN).
The disconnection was initially scheduled for April 15, 2024, but the Nigeria Communications Commission postponed it to July 31, 2024, to enable all subscribers to effectively link their SIMs.
MTN official who did not want to be named said, "This is not only about MTN; it’s an industry issue. The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria will release a statement that will be shared very soon."
“Subscribers are our customers, we cannot start disconnecting people’s lines. It’s important that these subscribers comply to link their lines with NIN,” the official stated.
The President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, was not available for comments.
The disconnnection has sparked outrage on social media, as many Nigerians expressed sadness over the disconnection.
Numerous users have reported that their SIM cards were barred despite completing the linking exercise, and they have provided evidence of their compliance.
The Digital Communications Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, tweeted, “It seems MTN has blocked hundreds of numbers from their network today. Many people around me have complained about losing service. Has anyone else experienced this issue?”
Another user, Kensola, expressed frustration, writing, “It’s still shocking to me that my MTN line will just be blocked temporarily for no just cause. I linked it with NIN for years now. What is the problem? Are we sure the state actors are not trying to stamp on dissenting voices? Let’s all be mindful!”
The order for telecom operators to block SIM cards not linked to NINs is in line with a similar mandate from 2020. The Federal Government stated that the decision was prompted by continuous terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and banditry nationwide during the concluding period of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The first phase of disconnection occurred on February 28, 2024, followed by the second phase on March 29, 2024.
During the initial deadline on February 28, 2024, the industry regulator reported that about 40 million lines not linked to NINs were barred.
Meanwhile, telecommunication operators have blamed the National Identity Management Commission for its slow response in approving customer verification requests to link their phone numbers.
The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, said a good number of active customers might be blocked if a solution is not provided before Tuesday.
“As we speak, we are providing feedback to our regulator. They provide the overall guidance for us as an industry. So, appropriately, if there will be a need for that or otherwise, our regulator will determine based on the data that we provide to them," Adebayo said.
