**NCC Orders Immediate Reactivation of Disconnected Lines Amidst NIN-SIM Verification Challenges**

 

**NCC Orders Immediate Reactivation of Disconnected Lines Amidst NIN-SIM Verification Challenges**

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom service providers to reactivate all phone lines that were disconnected over the weekend due to unverified National Identification Numbers (NINs) linked to Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs).

This development comes after many subscribers experienced difficulties accessing their phone lines, a situation that arose due to the inability of some consumers to verify their NINs with their SIMs. The NCC took this step in compliance with the government's policy requiring the linkage of NINs with SIMs to enhance national security and ensure an accurate national SIM ownership database.

The NIN-SIM linkage policy, which was introduced in December 2020, aims to verify and protect users' identities while also providing a critical infrastructure for a robust digital economy. Despite multiple deadline extensions, including a recent review of the deadline from April 15, 2024, to July 31, 2024, many phone lines remain unlinked with verified NINs.

To alleviate the inconvenience caused by the disconnections, the NCC has instructed operators to reactivate all affected lines for a limited period, allowing consumers to complete the verification process and link their NINs to their SIMs.

The public is advised to prioritize completing the verification process as soon as possible to maintain access to their phone lines. The NCC reiterates its commitment to protecting consumers' interests and ensuring that the national SIM ownership database is accurate and reliable.

**Note:** Reactivated lines are only temporary and will be disconnected again if not properly linked with verified NINs.

Signed:

Reuben Muoka

Director Public Affairs

NCC

29th July 2024