In a move to address the challenges faced by telecom subscribers, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has ordered the reconnection of all the lines that were barred by telecom operators over the weekend due to issues with the linkage of National Identification Numbers (NINs) and Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs).
Thousands of telecom subscribers found themselves unable to make or receive calls and messages on Sunday, July 28, as their SIMs had been barred by the service providers in compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy.
The NCC, in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, explained that the blockages were in line with the laws and policies governing the NIN-SIM linkage exercise, which was directed by the government to enhance national security and ensure the accuracy of the national SIM ownership database.
However, the telecom industry regulator has now directed all operators to reactivate the disconnected lines, recognizing the challenges this has caused for consumers.
"The consumer is our priority, therefore, considering the challenges the blockages have caused, the Commission has directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend in view of the short time available for consumers to undertake the verification of their NINs with their SIMs," the statement read.
The NCC has also encouraged members of the public who have yet to verify their SIMs to do so as soon as possible to maintain access to their lines, as the reactivation is only for a limited period to allow consumers to properly link their NIN to their SIM.
The NIN-SIM linkage policy is part of the government's efforts to create a critical infrastructure that ensures access to the benefits of a robust digital economy for the citizenry, while also aiding in the verification and protection of users' identities.