The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reasserted its directive for major telecom service providers, including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and others, to promptly deactivate the phone numbers of subscribers who have not linked their National Identification Numbers (NIN) by February 28, 2024. The order, framed as a critical national security measure, was emphasized by the Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, during the NCC’s Special Day at the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair.
Represented by Mr Reuben Mouka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Maida reiterated the significance of linking NIN to SIM cards and upheld the February 28th deadline, urging telecom operators to enforce the directive. He emphasized the NCC’s commitment to protecting consumers’ rights, ensuring satisfaction, and fostering a universally accessible environment for affordable and equitable services that support the nation’s economic growth.
“As a regulator of the telecommunications sector in the country, the Commission carries out its functions to ensure service availability, affordability, and sustainability for all categories of consumers leveraging on ICT/Telecoms to drive personal and business activities,” Maida stated.
The NCC boss highlighted the commission’s dedication to consumer protection and the implementation of measures to uphold transparency, quality service, and fair competition. The deployment of Harmonised Short Codes (HSC) across mobile networks and the ongoing campaign on National Identification Number-Subscriber Identification Module (NIN-SIM) linkage were underscored as initiatives to enhance the Quality of Experience (QoE) for consumers.
He explained the NIN-SIM linkage process, encouraging subscribers to obtain their NIN from National Identification Management Commission (NIMC) enrolment centers or their service providers’ customer care centers. Subscribers were reminded that without the NIN, they can obtain it by providing a valid ID card and BVN for enrolment. The NIN can be linked to their SIM by sending NIN-your 11 digit NIN to 996 or dialing 996.
The NCC’s unwavering commitment to bolstering security measures and ensuring a seamless consumer experience in the telecommunications sector was evident throughout Maida’s address at the Kaduna International Trade Fair.