By Hope-Feyisayo Temitope
The Nigeria Telecommunication companies have commenced final phase of disconnecting Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) numbers not linked to National Identification Numbers (NIN).
The disconnection was initially scheduled for April 15, 2024, but the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) postponed it to July 31, 2024, after meticulously considering the various challenges encountered by subscribers and requests for extensions.
Moreso, there are concerns that the telecoms did not wait until the July 31 deadline before disconnecting phone lines. This has triggered outrage on social media, with many Nigerians sharing their experiences and complaints on X.
Various users have expressed their frustrations, that their SIM cards were barred despite completing the linking exercise, thereby causing distress for Nigerians at a very convenient time, and they have provided evidence of their complaints.
The Digital Communications Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, 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?”
The order for telecom operators to block SIM cards not linked to NINs is in line with a similar mandate from 2020. The Federal Government stated that the decision was prompted by continuous terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and banditry nationwide during the concluding period of President Buhari’s administration.
“Subscribers are our customers, we cannot start disconnecting people’s lines. It’s important that these subscribers comply to link their lines with NIN.
“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.” An official stated.