Nigeria Nigerians Breathe a Sigh of Relief as NCC Extends Deadline: Unlinked Phone Lines to NINs Granted Reprieve Until July

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has extended the deadline for the disconnection of telephone lines not linked to National Identification Numbers (NINs) from April 15, 2024, to July 31, 2024.

This directive, communicated via a letter to telecommunication companies, follows careful consideration of challenges and requests for extensions.

A reliable source within the telecom sector revealed this information to Sunday PUNCH on Saturday, stating that the extension primarily benefits individuals with four SIMs linked to a single phone line.

The disconnection process, initiated in February, unfolds in three phases. The first phase occurred on February 28, 2024, followed by the second phase on March 29, 2024. Originally slated for April 15, 2024, the third phase has now been rescheduled to commence on July 31, 2024.

During the initial deadline on February 28, approximately 40 million lines not linked to NINs were disconnected, as stated by the industry regulator. While the exact number of affected lines from the recent deadline remains uncertain, telecom companies are expected to proceed with disconnecting lines not associated with NINs.

Moreover, telecom operators are instructed to prioritize verifying existing subscribers over registering new ones during this extended period.

The decision reflects the ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with NIN registration requirements and enhance the security and integrity of telecommunications services in Nigeria.