NIN-SIM verification: NCC orders immediate reactivation of deactivated lines | Read More 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has ordered that telco companies should suspend the ongoing suspension of SIMs and numbers of subscribers who have not connected their National Identification Numbers (NINs) with their Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs).

A statement issued on Monday, by the commission’s director, public affairs, Reuben Muoka, directed consumers to properly link their SIMS with their NINs with the temporary suspension of deactivation.

The statement read in part:

“The consumer is our priority, therefore, considering the challenges the blockages have caused, the Commission has directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend because of the short time available for consumers to undertake the verification of their NINs with their SIMs.”

“Reactivated consumers are to note that this is for a limited period to allow them to properly link their NIN to their SIM,” it said. The statement did not, however, state a new deadline.

“The objectives of this exercise by the Federal Government of Nigeria include enhancing national security and ensuring the national SIM ownership database is accurate. The NIN-SIM linkage policy aids in verifying and protecting users’ identities while providing a critical infrastructure that assures access to the benefits of a robust digital economy for the citizenry”.