ALTON provides steps for subscribers to unblock SIM cards amid NIN-SIM verification disruptions

The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has provided a guide for subscribers to unblock their SIM cards if they have been barred by operators.

RELATED: NCC mandates immediate reactivation of lines affected by NIN-SIM linkage issues

Over the weekend, millions of subscribers found their SIM cards blocked as operators rushed to comply with the Nigerian Communication Commission’s (NCC) deadline to clean up unregistered SIMs by July 31.

NCC orders operators to reconnect subscribers

In response to the chaos and mounting tensions over a planned national hunger protest, the NCC has ordered operators to reconnect all affected subscribers.

ALTON clarified that the suspension of subscribers was unrelated to the protest, emphasizing that the NIN/SIM linkage deadline had been set long before.  “There’s absolutely no connection between the two. The NIN/SIM link registration deadline has earlier been set for 31^st July, 2024,” said Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo, and Executive Secretary, Gbolahan Awonuga in a jointly signed statement.

The association explained that the exercise aimed to improve the integrity of the national SIM registration database.

The recent blocks occurred due to mismatches between subscriber records in the SIM registration database and the National Identity Database.

Steps to Unblock Your Phone Line

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1. Airtel: Dial *121# and input your eleven-digit NIN. You will receive a confirmation message that your SIM card has been successfully unbarred.
2. 9Mobile: Dial 2008# to initiate the unblocking process.
3. Glo: Dial 109Your NIN number# (e.g., 10912345678901#). Follow the prompts to submit your NIN for linkage.
4. MTN: Visit mtn.ng to check your NIN status. If not linked, proceed to link it by providing an OTP and your NIN. The line will be automatically unbarred upon completion.
5. Smile: Send your valid NIN to [email protected] or call 07020444444. Provide consent, and upon successful verification, your line will be unbarred.
6. Spectranet: Call toll-free line 8002345678, email [email protected], or visit the Spectranet website to submit your NIN. Complete the KYC process at a Spectranet store to unblock your line.
7. Ntel: Visit any Ntel store with your NIN. A fingerprint will verify your existing KYC profile. After receiving consent, your line will be updated and unbarred.

If online methods fail, subscribers can visit any operator walk-in center to unblock their lines.