In accordance with the SIM directivation order by the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), telecommunication companies are set to execute the second and third phases of SIM disconnections, scheduled to commence on March 29.
This directive aligns with the ongoing necessity to link subscriber identification module (SIM) cards with verified National Identification Numbers (NINs), enhancing regulatory oversight and supporting national security protocols.
The inaugural phase of disconnections, initiated on February 28, marked an important milestone as approximately 40 million lines were effectively barred.
“Within the first phase, 17 million active SIMs operational for a duration of three months failed to link their NINs, signaling a systemic compliance challenge” , said NCC.
The commission added that an additional 23 million dormant SIMs, devoid of NIN registration and stagnant for over a year, were subject to complete disconnection.
Telecom industry leaders, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, confront the repercussions of these stringent enforcement measures.
According to NCC data, over 6 million subscribers in January alone, were affected by the NIN-SIM linkage mandate.
Despite appeals from telecom companies for an extension, the NCC remains firm in its stance, indicating no plans to reconsider the deadline extension at this time.
As the deadline looms closer, subscribers are urged to expedite the verification process to avoid potential disruptions in their telecom services.
