The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has instructed all mobile operators to reactivate lines that were disconnected over the weekend, recognizing the limited time available for consumers to verify their National Identification Numbers (NINs) with their Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs). In a statement, the NCC emphasized that the decision was made with the consumer's interests as a priority.

Reactivated consumers should note that this reactivation is temporary, allowing them a limited period to link their NIN to their SIM properly. Over the weekend, many telecom subscribers were unable to access their phone lines due to the failure to verify their NINs with their SIMs, leading to the disconnection of their numbers by telecom service providers in compliance with NIN-SIM linkage regulations.

The compulsory linkage of NIN with SIM began in December 2020, following government directives to bar unregistered SIM cards and those not linked to NINs. The NCC has reviewed the deadline multiple times, with the most recent extension moving the deadline to July 31, 2024, to provide consumers more time to verify their NIN details. Despite these extensions, many phone lines remain unverified.

The Federal Government's objectives for the NIN-SIM linkage include enhancing national security and ensuring the accuracy of the national SIM ownership database. This policy helps verify and protect users' identities while supporting critical infrastructure for a robust digital economy.

Given the challenges caused by the disconnections, the NCC has directed all operators to reactivate lines disconnected over the weekend to allow consumers time to verify their NINs with their SIMs. This reactivation is temporary, so consumers are encouraged to verify their SIMs as soon as possible to maintain access to their lines.