By 
By Isa Bawa Inuwa
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has confirmed that telecom operators have started disconnecting approximately 66 million phone lines that failed to meet the September 14, 2024 deadline for the National Identification Number (NIN)-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) linkage.
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Despite appeals from the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) for a two-week extension, the NCC and the National Security Adviser (NSA) remain firm, with no further deadline extension.
NSA office: NIN-SIM regulation will enhance national security
The NSA’s office emphasised the urgency of enforcing the NIN-SIM regulation to enhance national security and streamline identity verification processes for all phone users.
According to the NSA, this policy is vital for protecting Nigeria’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) and supporting counter-terrorism efforts, fraud prevention, and measures against violent extremism. According to a senior official from the office of the National Coordinator of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Service at the NSA, the policy is viewed as as a critical procedural tool for ensuring an efficient and secure cyberspace,
Initially introduced in 2020, the NIN-SIM directive was designed to reduce insecurity and curb fraudulent activities linked to unregistered or improperly registered SIM cards.
Although the linkage deadline had been extended multiple times, the NCC confirmed that from September 15, 2024, no SIM card would remain active without a verified NIN.
A temporary disconnection of millions of lines occurred between July 28 and 29, resulting in widespread disruption. While the NCC temporarily paused the disconnection due to fears of public unrest, it ultimately set the final deadline for September 14.
As the deadline passes, more than 65 million phone lines are at risk of permanent disconnection, and operators are urging affected subscribers to link their NINs to their SIMs to avoid service loss.
Subscribers who have already been deactivated still have a window to reconnect by visiting service centers or National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) offices to complete their registration. This measure is seen by security experts as critical to ensuring cyberspace safety and protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.
