Compliance Challenges
Over the weekend, telecommunication operators in Nigeria took a drastic measure, barring no fewer than 40 million telephone lines. This action came as a result of the expiration of the February 28, 2024 deadline set by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which mandated telecom consumers to link their Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) to their National Identity Numbers (NINs).
This astounding figure is a substantial rise over the original 12 million lines that were scheduled to be deactivated as a result of the NCC’s mandate.
By the end of February 2024, telcos were to deactivate SIMs that were not associated with their owners’ NINs, as per a notice sent by the NCC in December 2023. Telcos were forced to act or face penalties, even after NCC Director of Public Affairs Reuben Mouka issued warnings that any deadline extension would be impossible.
Initially, 12 million lines would be impacted by the regulation, according to Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licenced Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON). Adebayo subsequently disclosed, though, that there were now over 40 million blocked lines in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH. He emphasized that people who had not filed their NINs at all were among those impacted, underscoring the significance of adhering to legal standards.
Additionally, by March 29, 2024, Global Satellite Mobile Communications operators were directed by the NCC to take action against SIM holders whose NINs had been filed but not confirmed, and by April 15, 2024, to interdict those with fewer than five lines connected to unverified NINs.
Security Implications
The SIM-NIN synchronization initiative, introduced by the Federal Government on December 16, 2020, aimed to enhance security measures by enabling authorities to track criminals effectively. However, concerns have been raised by Nigerians regarding the apparent lack of utilization of this initiative by security agencies in tracking criminals, particularly bandits and kidnappers who frequently utilize mobile telephone lines for communication during ransom negotiations.
As of the latest data released by the NCC, there are approximately 224.7 million active mobile telephone lines in Nigeria. Adebayo hinted at further disconnections to be implemented by the end of March and mid-April, targeting subscribers with discrepancies in their registration information.
Legal Response
In response to the deadline, the President of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, has expressed intentions to seek redress in court if the deadline is not extended. Ogunbanjo emphasized the plea for a 31-day extension, urging the NCC to consider the plight of subscribers.
Future Disconnect
With the looming threat of additional disconnections and the potential legal action on the horizon, the situation underscores the urgency for subscribers to adhere to the regulatory requirements set forth by the NCC in linking their SIMs to their NINs. As the deadline passes and repercussions unfold, the necessity of compliance with regulatory directives remains paramount in navigating the evolving telecommunications landscape in Nigeria.
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By: Doris Chinwe Omemgbeoji