The initial deadline of April 15, 2024, for compliance with the National Identification Number (NIN) requirement has been extended.
The disconnection process, which commenced in February, unfolded in three phases. The first phase took effect on February 28, 2024, targeting subscribers who hadn’t submitted their NIN by that date. Subsequently, a second wave of disconnection occurred on Friday, March 29, 2024, affecting subscribers with five or more lines linked to unverified NINs.
The third phase involves blocking registrants with less than five lines associated with an invalid NIN. These connections must be terminated by April 15, 2024.
Reuben Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), announced the extension. He cited the necessity for the extension pending verification of NIN presentations.
“Registrants in this category who declare their NIN and have no more than four lines are allowed. Unlike those who have never had a NIN, their NIN is not checked.
“So, we decided to give them more time,” Muoka denied.
The Director urged subscribers to expedite the NIN-SIM linkage process, emphasizing its significance in assisting the federal government in addressing security challenges within the country.