The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators to extend the deadline for National Identification Number (NIN) and Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) verification beyond the previously set date of July 31, 2024.
This decision comes after the NCC recently instructed telecom operators to reactivate mobile lines that had been barred due to unresolved NIN-SIM verification issues.
Many subscribers had found themselves unable to access their phone lines because their NINs were not linked to their SIM cards, in accordance with the government’s mandate.
The compulsory linkage, which began in December 2020, required all unregistered SIM cards and SIMs not linked to NINs to be blocked by telecommunication companies.
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The deadline for this process had undergone several extensions, with the latest set for July 31, 2024.
A top NCC official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the extension, citing the current situation in the country as a key factor in the decision.
“The situation might prevent telecom subscribers from accessing telecom operators’ shops to complete their SIM-NIN verification,” the official stated.
The official also noted that while the exact new deadline has not yet been determined, operators have been instructed not to bar any lines until further notice.
Efforts to reach NCC spokesperson, Reuben Mouka, for an official comment were unsuccessful, as his line was not connecting.
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