The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecommunication operators to immediately reactivate phone lines disconnected over the weekend due to unverified National Identification Number (NIN) linked to Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs).
The order comes amid widespread complaints from subscribers who lost access to their lines despite ongoing efforts to comply with the NIN-SIM verification requirement.
In a statement signed by Reuben Mouka, Director of Public Affairs, The NCC emphasized that the move is a temporary measure to alleviate the immediate inconvenience faced by consumers, while urging them to complete the verification process as soon as possible.
The NIN-SIM linkage policy, initiated in December 2020, aims to enhance national security and improve the accuracy of SIM ownership data. While multiple deadlines have been extended to allow for compliance, many subscribers have yet to successfully link their NINs to their SIMs.
The NCC reiterated its commitment to consumer welfare while emphasizing the importance of complying with the NIN-SIM verification policy to ensure a secure and robust digital ecosystem.