Abuja, Feb. 29, 2024 -The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is not extending the February 28 deadline for the linkage of the Subscribers’ Identity Modules (SIM) with the National Identity Numbers (NIN).
Reuben Muoka, the NCC Director of Public Affairs, told journalists in Abuja on Thursday that the Commission would not change its stance on the matter.
The Commission said it had given adequate notice to subscribers through various platforms of its intention to bar lines that had not been linked with NIN.
Gbenga Adebayo, the Chairman, of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, also said telecom operators had no choice, but to comply with the NCC’s directive.
He said that no fewer than 12 million lines out of the 224 million active lines risked deactivation due to the directive.
“About 12 million SIM cards may not have been linked to NIN. Some of these SIM cards work on modems and mifi devices.
“According to the regulatory directives, those numbers that are not properly linked to NIN will have services withdrawn to them by midnight of 28th February.
“We stand by that regulatory directive and we are going to comply.” (GBN)
