NCC Blocks Unregistered SIMs After Missed Deadline

NIGERIA has begun disconnecting unregistered SIM cards after the September 14 deadline imposed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for SIM cards to be linked with National Identification Numbers (NIN). Despite progress, with 153 million users completing the process, 66 million subscribers remain unlinked out of the total 219 million active users.

Consumer group NATCOMS has called for a two-week extension, citing issues with the National Identity Management Commission’s (NIMC) portal, which has struggled to handle the volume of uploads. According to Deolu Ogunbanjo, NATCOMS National President, the portal’s inability to process high traffic has caused delays for telecom operators and subscribers alike.

NATCOMS has requested that the NIN-SIM linkage deadline be extended from 14 to 30 September to allow NIMC to upgrade its portal capacity and streamline the process. If approved, this would be the fifth extension this year.

The linkage programme, announced in December 2020, is intended to strengthen national security and curb fraudulent activities, ensuring all SIMs are tied to verified identification. However, technical challenges have resulted in multiple delays, frustrating both operators and consumers.

The NCC advises customers to visit their service provider’s office to update their information if they have not yet linked their SIM cards. Without the linkage, subscribers risk losing access to essential mobile services. The ongoing delays highlight the difficulties in managing large-scale digital identity programmes in the face of limited infrastructure.