The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecommunications operators to immediately restore all phone lines blocked due to the non-linkage of National Identification Numbers (NIN) to SIM cards.

This directive was issued in a statement on Monday by Reuben Muoka, the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the NCC.

The regulatory body explained that the order aims to mitigate the widespread disruption caused by the blockages and to prioritize consumer convenience.

Over the weekend, numerous telecom subscribers found their phone lines blocked after failing to link their NINs to their SIM cards, as required by the NIN-SIM linkage regulations. This development sparked significant outrage, leading subscribers to besiege MTN offices nationwide on Monday, demanding the reactivation of their lines.

“The consumer is our priority. Considering the challenges the blockages have caused, the Commission has directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend, given the limited time available for consumers to verify their NINs with their SIMs,” the statement read.

The mandatory NIN-SIM linkage, which began in December 2020, was intended to bolster national security and ensure accurate SIM ownership data. Despite multiple deadline extensions, including the latest to July 31, 2024, many lines remain unverified.

Since December 2023, the NCC has reviewed the deadline several times, initially setting it for April 15, 2024. This was later extended to July 31, 2024, to give consumers additional time to verify their NIN details.

Despite these extensions, a significant number of phone lines remain unlinked with verified NINs, the NCC lamented.

The regulator clarified that the current reactivation is temporary, allowing affected consumers time to properly link their NINs to their SIMs. The NCC urged all subscribers who have not yet verified their SIMs to do so promptly to maintain service access.

Meanwhile, the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) clarified that the disconnection was unrelated to the August 1 protest. Telecom operators explained that the ongoing harmonization process aims to enhance the accuracy and integrity of the National SIM registration database.

“Customers who had their lines blocked recently are those whose records showed a mismatch between their details in the databases. We advise such customers to contact their service providers through the communicated channels for resolution,” ALTON stated.

ALTON reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government efforts while safeguarding communication rights, data privacy, and security.