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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted a further extension for telecommunication companies to disconnect phone lines not linked to National Identification Numbers (NINs), pushing the deadline from April 15, 2024, to July 31, 2024. This decision follows careful consideration of various challenges and requests for extensions, as disclosed by a reliable source within the telecommunication sector.
The directive, conveyed via a letter to telcos, specifically addresses concerns regarding individuals with multiple SIMs linked to a single phone line. This extension aims to accommodate those affected by the disconnection process, particularly those with four SIMs tied to a single phone line.
The disconnection initiative, initiated in February and rolled out in three phases, saw its first two phases completed on February 28, 2024, and March 29, 2024, respectively. Originally slated for April 15, 2024, the third phase has now been rescheduled to commence on July 31, 2024.
During the initial phase in February, approximately 40 million lines not linked to NINs were barred, reflecting the scale of the compliance challenge. While the precise number of affected lines from the recent deadline remains unspecified, telecom companies are expected to continue disconnecting lines not associated with NINs.
