Following the NIN-SIM linkage deadline in Nigeria on September 14, 2024, mobile operators have begun blocking SIM cards that are not linked to National Identification Numbers (NIN). This action comes after multiple extensions by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as part of efforts to enhance national security and improve the country’s digital identity infrastructure.
The NIN-SIM linkage policy has been part of the Nigerian government’s broader plan to strengthen its digital economy, improve security, and tackle issues such as fraud and unregistered SIM misuse. According to the NCC, over 153 million SIM cards have successfully been linked to NINs, reflecting a 96% compliance rate as of August 2024. However, millions of lines remain unlinked, leading to widespread deactivation.
The deadline for linking SIM cards to NINs was set for September 14, 2024, after multiple extensions to allow more Nigerians to comply. The NCC has made it clear that SIM cards not linked to valid NINs would be blocked from making or receiving calls. Despite warnings, many subscribers missed the deadline due to server downtimes at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) or personal delays.
Mobile operators such as MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa have already barred millions of lines. MTN alone reported blocking 8.6 million SIM cards, while Airtel Africa stated that 4.8 million lines were unverified. Several subscribers have voiced their frustration, with many claiming they completed the linkage process but still found their lines barred.
How to Link Your SIM to Your NIN
If your SIM card has been barred, there’s still hope. You can restore your line by linking it to your NIN using the following steps:
- Dial the USSD Code: Simply dial *346# from your phone and follow the prompts to link your NIN to your SIM.
- Visit Your Mobile Operator: You can also visit the nearest mobile operator service center to complete the process manually, especially if there were issues with server downtime.
- Online Portals: Some operators allow online submissions of your NIN through their websites or mobile apps.
Many affected subscribers have voiced their concerns. Ademola Adedeji, an Airtel subscriber, noted that his SIM was still barred despite linking it twice. Others, like Kingsley Nwobodo, appealed for an extension, citing server issues at NIMC centers that made it impossible to link their NINs before the deadline. Organizations such as the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMs) and the Association of Telephones, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers (ATCIS) have called on the NCC to extend the deadline until September 30, 2024, to address these issues.
Despite calls for an extension, the NCC remains firm. An official stated that the grace period is over, and no more extensions will be granted. Subscribers who fail to link their SIMs to their NINs will remain disconnected from mobile services.
As the dust settles, mobile operators and the NCC are continuing to ensure full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy. Subscribers who are yet to complete the process are urged to act quickly to restore their phone lines. The NCC’s goal is 100% compliance, which will help enhance digital security and foster a safer mobile ecosystem in Nigeria.
