SIM cards not linked with a valid National Identification Number (NIN) will stop working from February 28, 2024 as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecommunications operators in Nigeria, including MTN, Airtel, and Globacom, among others, to implement full network barring on them.
Not only that, those who had submitted their NINs but have not been verified, are also to be fully barred.
This development was announced by MTN Nigeria in a notice to the Nigeria Xchange (NGX).
The latest directive came as a follow-up to the NCC’s directive on 4 April 2022 requiring operators to restrict outgoing calls (one-way barring) for subscribers whose lines are not linked with NINs, with this latest development, the phone user will be unable to call nor receive calls.
About NINs that have been submitted but not verified, such lines are to be barred on or before March 29, 2024, where five or more lines are linked to an unverified NIN.
Similarly, where less than five lines are linked to an unverified NIN, such lines are to be barred on or before April 15, 2024.
According to the directive, all affected subscribers must be verified (biometrics and biodata) before their lines are unbarred.
MTN said it is further engaging the affected subscribers through all its channels to encourage them to submit their NINs for verification.
“We appreciate the effort being made by the Federal Government to implement a reliable and sustainable National Identity Management system, which is a crucial enabler for national and economic development.
“Therefore, as a law-abiding corporate citizen and in line with our operating license requirements, we are committed to complying with the industry-wide directive from the NCC and will provide further updates to investors on progress and potential impact with the release of FY 2023 results,” MTN stated in the notice.
The company urged all its subscribers who have not yet linked their NIN to their lines to take immediate action by visiting the nearest outlet or using any of its digital channels before the deadlines. Those without a NIN are also encouraged to visit any of the NIMC’s enrollment centers nationwide to enroll for NIN.