SIM-NIN Linkage: NATCOMS Demands Deadline Extension
After proper deliberation between National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the deadline for blocking SIM cards unlinked with an NIN, has been extended to 31st March, 2024.
Recall that Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), earlier gave direction to telecom operators to block phone numbers of unlinked subscribers from last month, 28th February, and it was expected that over 3 million active phone numbers and 42 million inactive lines would be affected following the policy.
Updating the press on the outcome of NATCOMS meeting with NCC. NATCOMS president, Deolu Ogunbanjo, stated that the policy was due to security reasons, as it is a way to to develop Nigeria’s database.
His words partly;
“All we would have done right now, if I were the regulator, is to now say we give you an extra 3 months or so because whether you like it or not, it was the erstwhile minister of digital economy that gave this directive.
“And you can imagine, that has been since early 2023 or so. But beyond that is the fact that here we are, the minister is here, the new EVC is here, and it is expiring today.”
“But because of the security situation in Nigeria for now, we are saying it is good to quickly capture everybody,”.
“That’s why we are not even looking at 3 months extension, we are just looking at March 31.” He said.
