The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has appealed to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for an extension of the deadline to link National Identification Numbers (NIN) to phone lines, pushing the proposed cutoff from February 28, 2024, to March 31, 2024.
This request comes in response to the NCC’s directive instructing telecom operators to block unlinked subscribers starting from February 28, a move expected to impact over 42 million inactive phone numbers and 3 million active lines.
Unlinked lines refer to Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards not yet associated with the National Identification Number (NIN).
Deolu Ogunbanjo, President of NATCOMS, lauded the NCC’s initiative as a crucial step for national security and database development.
Despite acknowledging the necessity of the policy, Ogunbanjo highlighted the importance of evaluating the progress made in linking subscribers and suggested a pragmatic approach.
Expressing his viewpoint, Ogunbanjo proposed a three-month extension until March 31, 2024, allowing ample time to capture the remaining subscribers.
He noted the evolving dynamics, including a change in leadership with a new Minister and Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC) at NCC, urging a thorough assessment of the current situation before enforcing the deadline.
Acknowledging the urgency imposed by Nigeria’s security situation, Ogunbanjo emphasized the necessity of a swift completion while urging the NCC and Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice-Chairman, to carefully appraise the number of remaining subscribers.
The request for an extension until March 31, 2024, aims to ensure comprehensive coverage and compliance with the NIN-linking directive.
