SIM Card Purge: Millions Lose Access as Telcos Enforce SIM-NIN Linkage Deadline

Millions of Nigerians woke up to deactivated phone lines on Sunday as telecommunication companies intensified their efforts to enforce the National Identification Number (NIN) linkage deadline. The move comes just days before the July 31, 2024, cutoff date imposed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Despite multiple extensions, a significant number of subscribers have yet to complete the SIM-NIN verification process. To ensure compliance, telcos have begun barring lines associated with unverified NINs.

Social media platforms were flooded with complaints from affected users, many of whom claimed to have already linked their SIMs. Screenshots of successful linkage messages were widely shared as evidence.

The NCC has consistently emphasized the importance of the SIM-NIN linkage for national security and crime prevention. The regulatory body has warned that failure to comply with the deadline would result in line deactivation.

While the full impact of the mass deactivation is yet to be determined, Airtel has revealed that 4.9 million of its customers still have unverified NINs.

As the deadline looms, telecom operators are expected to continue their crackdown on non-compliant subscribers.

However, Business Remarks checks revealed that some subscribers affected by the SIM card purge claimed to have successfully completed their SIM-NIN linkage but were surprised to find their lines deactivated.