Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reportedly extended the deadline for linking phone lines to National Identification Numbers (NINs) to July 31, 2024
This directive conveyed through a formal letter to telecom companies, follows a thorough review of multiple obstacles and appeals for deadline extensions.
A source to the NCC said, “So, this particular extension from 15th April to 31st July is for those who have four SIMs linked to just one phone line.”
The disconnection process, which began in February, was rolled out in three phases. The first occurred on February 28, 2024, followed by the second phase on Friday, March 29, 2024.
Originally scheduled for April 15, 2024, the third phase has now been rescheduled to commence on July 31, 2024.
During the initial deadline on February 28, 2024, the industry regulator said about 40 million lines not linked to NINs were barred.
The source said while the exact number of lines affected by Friday’s deadline remains unclear, telecom companies are expected to proceed with disconnecting lines not linked with NINs.
Telecom operators are expected to prioritize the verification of existing subscribers over new ones during this extended period.
Share this:The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has instructed telecommunications companies to postpone the disconnection of phone lines not yet linked to National Identification Numbers (NINs) from April 15, 2024, to July 31, 2024.
This decision conveyed through a letter to telcos, follows a thorough assessment of various obstacles and requests for deadline extensions.
According to a reliable source, this extension until July 31 primarily aims at individuals with four SIM cards linked to a single phone line.
The disconnection initiative, initiated in February, was implemented in three phases. The first phase occurred on February 28, 2024, followed by the second on Friday, March 29, 2024.