Over 30 Million SIM Card at Risk of Disconnection Due to Improper NIN Linkage — Telecom Operators revealed.
The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, has raised concerns about the potential disconnection of over 30 million phone lines due to improper linkage with National Identification Numbers (NIN). These lines, primarily associated with devices like car trackers, MiFi units, WiFi devices, and Point of Sale (POS) machines, face the risk of being cut off from network services.
Adebayo disclosed this during an interview with News Central, highlighting the magnitude of the issue. “The numbers are staggering. We are looking at potentially over 30 million SIM cards, including those in various digital devices, that have not been properly linked to the NIN. Many of these SIMs are in car trackers, POS machines, MiFis, WiFis, and many other devices that use SIMs to operate,” he stated.
This situation follows a recent series of disruptions caused by the disconnection of lines not linked to their respective NINs. As per the directive of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), telecommunications companies began disconnecting unlinked lines, adhering to a deadline set for July 31, 2024. Since February 2024, the telecom operators have been phasing out unlinked SIM cards, with the final phase concluding at the end of July.
Adebayo explained that the disconnections were due to discrepancies between the records of telecom operators and the data provided by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). “There are cases where individuals provided their NINs, but the information did not align with our records,” he noted. “These discrepancies need to be resolved at service centers for proper verification.”
Addressing concerns that the timing of the disconnections coincided with national protests, Adebayo clarified that the process had no connection to the protests. “Unfortunately, the disconnection coincided with the planned protests, but it had nothing to do with stifling communication,” he explained. He emphasized that the telecom operators are committed to serving their subscribers impartially and are guided by a social contract to provide services on a non-discriminatory basis.
Adebayo also stressed the importance of accurate data for creating a reliable national database. He urged the public to provide truthful and consistent information during registration to prevent future issues. “To have a reliable and equipped national database, all of us must contribute accurate information,” Adebayo urged. “This database can only be as reliable as the information provided by the public.”
In response to the challenges caused by the disconnections, the NCC has directed all operators to temporarily reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend. This reactivation is intended to give affected customers additional time to properly link their NINs to their SIM cards. “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… Reactivated consumers are to note that this is for a limited period to allow them to properly link their NIN to their SIM,” Adebayo added.
Naijaonpoint Media urges all affected users to visit their service providers’ customer care centers to resolve any discrepancies and ensure their lines are properly linked to their NINs to avoid future disconnection.
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