The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is standing strong on its decision regarding the February 28, 2024, deadline for linking Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards to National Identification Numbers (NIN). Reuben Mouka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, emphasized the commission’s commitment to the set date and ruled out any possibility of an extension.
Telecoms Given Directive: 12 Million Unlinked Lines to be Deactivated
In response to the NCC’s directive, telecommunication companies are gearing up to deactivate around 12 million lines that haven’t been linked to their owners’ NINs post the deadline. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, reassured the public of telecom operators’ dedication to complying with the NCC’s directive, highlighting the potential deactivation of approximately 12 million SIM cards.
Legal Tussle Unfolds: Court Restrains Telcos, NCC Unaware
A recent development sees a Federal High Court in Lagos issuing an injunction preventing telecom operators from deactivating or barring lines not linked to NINs. However, NCC’s Mouka expressed unawareness of any court injunction opposing the enforcement of the linkage, sparking a legal dispute.
Telecom Operators Confirm Adherence, Dismiss Extension Speculations
Leading telecom operators, including MTN, Airtel, and 9Mobile, have affirmed their commitment to complying with the NCC’s directive. Gbenga Adebayo dispelled rumors of a possible deadline extension, emphasizing that the regulator had already extended it once.
Public Outcry Amid Connectivity Issues: Unrelated to NIN/SIM Link Deadline
Major telecom operators faced network connection problems on February 28, 2024, causing disruptions for subscribers trying to make calls. The Chairman of ALTON attributed the connectivity issues to significant fiber cuts by road contractors employed by the Federal Government, clarifying that it was unrelated to the ongoing NIN/SIM link deadline.
Social Media Erupts: Users Vent Frustration Over Network Glitches
The network glitches prompted widespread frustration among users, who took to social media platforms to express their grievances. Subscribers shared stories of struggles with sudden connection losses, underscoring the urgent need for improved infrastructure and transparent communication from service providers.
Telecom Companies Address Network Outage: MTN Nigeria Acknowledges Challenges
MTN Nigeria acknowledged the connectivity problem and attributed it to multiple fiber cuts. The company assured customers that its engineers were diligently working to restore normal services, expressing apologies for the inconvenience caused by the major service outage.
The current situation presents a dynamic landscape, with legal and technical challenges contributing to the complexity of the ongoing SIM-NIN linkage process.
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