Nigerian telecommunication companies have provided detailed guidelines to help subscribers unblock their SIM cards following recent disconnections due to the ongoing National Identification Number (NIN)-SIM harmonization exercise. This initiative, aimed at enhancing the integrity of the national SIM registration database, has left many users facing temporary service disruptions.
To assist affected customers, telecom companies outlined step-by-step instructions in a statement on Monday to restore connectivity. Here are the procedures for each major telecom provider:
- Airtel: Subscribers should dial *121# and enter their eleven-digit NIN. A confirmation message will indicate that the Airtel SIM card has been successfully unbarred.
- 9mobile (EMTS): Users need to dial 2008#.
- Glo: Subscribers should dial 109 followed by their NIN number (e.g., 10912345678901#) and follow the prompts to submit their NIN.
- MTN: Customers should visit nin.mtn.ng to check their NIN status. If not linked, they should proceed to link it using the provided OTP and NIN. Once linked, the line will be automatically unbarred.
- Smile: Users can send their NIN to customercare@smile.com.ng or call 07020444444. After providing consent and verifying their NIN, the line will be unbarred.
- Spectranet: Subscribers should call 8002345678 or email care@spectranet.com.ng to submit their NIN. KYC verification at a Spectranet store is required. NINs can also be submitted online, but KYC completion at a Spectranet store is necessary.
- Ntel: Customers need to visit any Ntel store with their NIN. Their fingerprint will be used to verify their existing KYC profile. Upon verification and consent, the line will be updated and unbarred.
These guidelines are intended to streamline the process of NIN-SIM linkage and minimize disruptions for subscribers. The telecom companies urge users to follow these steps promptly to restore their services.
