Telecom firms in Nigeria have started the last stage of disconnecting phone lines, or Subscriber Identity Module numbers, that aren’t connected to National Identity Numbers.
The Nigeria Communications Commission carefully considered the numerous issues faced by subscribers and requests for extensions, and decided to postpone the disconnection, which was originally set for April 15, 2024, to July 31, 2024.
“This is not only about MTN; it’s an industry issue. The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria will soon release a statement that will be shared very soon,” Says one of the officials.
According to the other source, the mandate originated from the industry regulator, the NCC, and it highlights that many channels have been made available to streamline the procedure for users.
“Subscribers are our customers, we cannot start disconnecting people’s lines. It’s important that these subscribers comply to link their lines with NIN,” the official stated.
However, there are concerns that the telcos disconnected phone lines before the deadline of July 31. Social media users are outraged by this and are sharing their grievances and experiences on X.
Several users have complained that even after finishing the connection exercise and presenting proof of their compliance, their SIM cards were blocked.
Bashir Ahmad, the former president Muhammadu Buhari’s digital communications assistant, tweeted, “It seems MTN has blocked hundreds of numbers from their network today. Many people around me have complained about losing service. Has anyone else experienced this issue?”
Jude Bela, a different user, questioned MTN’s activities as well, saying, “MTNNG, why are you blocking lines that are already linked to NIN? I just checked to confirm that my NIN is still linked, yet my number was suspiciously blocked. You’re causing distress for Nigerians at a very convenient time. The question is, ‘Why’?”
The directive from 2020 requiring telecom companies to prohibit SIM cards that aren’t connected to NINs is consistent with this order.
According to the Federal Government, the decision was made in response to the persistent acts of terrorism, kidnappings, and banditry that occurred across the country in the final months of President Buhari’s term.
Three stages have been involved in the disconnection procedure, which got underway in February. On February 28, 2024, the first phase took place, and on March 29, 2024, the second phase.
