30 million SIMs at risk as NIN linking deadline approaches

Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, has revealed that over 30 million phone lines are currently not linked to a National Identification Number (NIN) and face potential disconnection. These unlinked lines are primarily associated with car trackers, MiFi units, WiFi devices, and Point of Sale (POS) machines.

“The numbers are staggering,” Adebayo said in a recent interview with News Central, noting that this includes SIM cards used in various digital devices. “We are dealing with potentially over 30 million SIM cards, including those in car trackers, POS machines, MiFis, WiFis, and other devices that rely on SIMs.”

This disclosure follows recent disruptions caused by the blocking of lines not connected to NINs. Last weekend, telecommunications companies began restricting phone lines that had not been linked to NINs ahead of the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) deadline of July 31, 2024.

Since February 2024, telcos have been gradually disconnecting phone lines as per the NCC’s directive. The regulator had mandated a phased disconnection process for lines not properly linked with NIN, concluding on July 31, 2024.

IDOMA VOICE learnt that about three million phone lines were initially blocked before the NCC instructed telcos to restore them. Adebayo attributed these disconnections to mismatches between records from telecom operators and the National Identity Management Commission.

“There are cases where individuals provided their NINs, but the details did not align with our records,” Adebayo explained. “These discrepancies need to be resolved at service centers for accurate verification.”

Despite the timing of the disconnections coinciding with nationwide protests, Adebayo stressed that the action was unrelated to the demonstrations. “The disconnections began long before the protests, and there was no intention to stifle communication,” he said. “We are committed to our social contract with subscribers and strive to provide services fairly.”

Adebayo also emphasized the importance of accurate data for creating a reliable national database, urging individuals to provide consistent and truthful information during registration. “For a dependable national database, everyone must contribute accurate information,” he said.

“The consumer remains our priority. Given the issues caused by the blockages, the commission has instructed all operators to temporarily reactivate lines disconnected over the weekend. Reactivated consumers should use this period to properly link their NIN to their SIMs,” he added.