The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that more than 40 million telephone lines, which were barred due to owners’ failure to link their SIM cards with their National Identification Number (NIN), are at risk of losing calling capabilities.
In a statement made by the NCC Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, on Tuesday, it was revealed that if action is not taken on the affected lines within the next 180 days, they will no longer be able to receive calls but will retain the ability to send text messages and make calls. However, beyond this grace period, they will also face restrictions on making calls.
Mouka emphasized that failure to rectify the status of the SIM cards within 365 days will result in the complete loss of these lines to the respective service providers.
The disclosure comes after telecommunication companies exceeded the deadline of February 28, 2024, set by the regulatory body, requiring telecom customers to link their SIM cards with their National Identification Numbers (NIN).
“If the barred lines are not acted upon in the next 180 days, they won’t be able to receive calls but will only be able to text and make calls. But after the stipulated days, they would be barred from making calls too. And might forfeit their lines to their respective service provider within 365 days,” Mouka stated.
As the deadline looms, telecom subscribers are urged to promptly link their SIM cards with their NIN to avoid potential disconnection and loss of service. The NCC continues to emphasize the importance of compliance with regulatory directives to ensure the integrity and security of the telecommunications sector in Nigeria.
