- Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) extends deadline for linking phone lines to National Identification Numbers (NINs) to July 31, 2024
- The extension aims to address challenges, particularly for individuals with multiple SIM cards linked to a single phone line
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has instructed telecommunications companies to postpone the disconnection of phone lines not yet linked to National Identification Numbers (NINs) from April 15, 2024, to July 31, 2024.
This decision conveyed through a letter to telcos, follows a thorough assessment of various obstacles and requests for deadline extensions.
According to a reliable source, this extension until July 31 primarily aims at individuals with four SIM cards linked to a single phone line.
The disconnection initiative, initiated in February, was implemented in three phases. The first phase occurred on February 28, 2024, followed by the second on Friday, March 29, 2024.
Originally slated for April 15, 2024, the commencement of the third phase has now been postponed to July 31, 2024.
During the initial February 28, 2024 deadline, the regulatory authority disclosed that approximately 40 million lines not yet linked to NINs were deactivated.
Although the exact number of lines impacted by the recent deadline remains undisclosed, telecom companies are expected to disconnect lines lacking NIN linkage.
Telecom operators are instructed to prioritize verifying existing subscribers over onboarding new ones during this extended period.