The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has instructed telecommunications companies to extend the deadline for linking telephone lines to National Identification Numbers (NINs) from April 15, 2024, to July 31, 2024.
According to a reliable source within the telecommunications sector, the decision to extend the deadline was communicated to telcos via a letter, following careful consideration of various challenges and requests for extensions.
The extension, initially scheduled for April 15, 2024, aims particularly at individuals with four SIMs linked to a single phone line.
The disconnection process, initiated in February, was implemented in three phases. The first phase occurred on February 28, 2024, followed by the second phase on Friday, March 29, 2024.
Originally slated for April 15, 2024, the third phase of disconnection has now been rescheduled to commence on July 31, 2024.
During the initial deadline on February 28, 2024, approximately 40 million lines not linked to NINs were deactivated. While the exact number of lines affected by the most recent deadline remains unspecified, telecom companies are expected to proceed with disconnecting lines not linked with NINs.
Telecom operators are instructed to prioritize verifying existing subscribers over registering new ones during this extended period.
