Nigerian Telcos, Including MTN and Airtel, Set to Fully Disable Unlinked SIMs by February 28, 2024

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has instructed major telecommunications operators in Nigeria, such as MTN, Airtel, and Globacom, to implement comprehensive network barring for all phone lines without linked National Identification Numbers (NINs) by February 28, 2024.

Additionally, subscribers who have submitted their NINs but remain unverified will also face complete barring. MTN Nigeria, in a notice to the Nigeria Stock Exchange, revealed the NCC’s directive.

For NINs that have been submitted but not verified, lines connected to unverified NINs will be barred on or before March 29, 2024, if five or more lines are linked. Similarly, for less than five lines associated with an unverified NIN, barring will occur on or before April 15, 2024.

All affected subscribers are required to undergo verification (biometrics and biodata) before their lines can be unbarred.

This directive follows the NCC’s initial instruction on April 4, 2022, which required operators to restrict outgoing calls (one-way barring) for subscribers with unlinked NINs.

MTN expressed its commitment to ensuring compliance with the NCC directive, enhancing service outlets, and collaborating with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to expedite the NIN verification process.

The telecom company encouraged subscribers without linked NINs to take immediate action by visiting outlets or using digital channels before the deadlines. Those without a NIN were urged to enroll at any of the NIMC’s nationwide centers.

Since the initiation of the mandatory NIN-SIM Linkage exercise in December 2020, telecom operators initially faced a loss of over 20 million subscriptions. However, active subscriptions rebounded to over 200 million as of August, with the new directive expected to impact operators’ databases as unlinked lines face further restrictions.

Telecom Operators Face Challenges as SIM Deactivation Deadline Approaches

As the deadline for the comprehensive deactivation of unlinked SIM cards approaches, telecom operators in Nigeria are gearing up for potential challenges. The upcoming restrictions, particularly the full barring of phone lines without linked National Identification Numbers (NINs), may lead to significant disruptions for subscribers who have yet to comply.

The initial phase of the NIN-SIM Linkage exercise saw a considerable loss of over 20 million subscriptions as subscribers abandoned their lines. While operators have gradually recovered from this setback, the impending complete barring might prompt another wave of subscription losses, affecting the databases of major telecom networks.

Operators like MTN are intensifying their efforts to engage with subscribers through various channels, encouraging them to expedite the NIN verification process. MTN, in its notice, emphasised its commitment to working closely with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to facilitate a smoother and more efficient verification experience for subscribers.

The impact of this directive extends beyond individual subscribers, potentially influencing the broader telecom landscape. Industry analysts anticipate a surge in registrations at NIMC enrollment centers as individuals rush to meet the impending deadlines. Telecom operators are closely monitoring the situation and are expected to provide updates on progress and challenges as the February deadline approaches.

Moreover, there is growing scrutiny on the efficacy of the National Identity Management system and its role in streamlining processes for both subscribers and telecom operators. As the deactivation deadline looms, stakeholders are emphasising the importance of seamless verification procedures to minimise disruptions and ensure a more efficient compliance process for subscribers nationwide.