The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has mandated telecom service providers to deactivate numbers not linked to (NIN)

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has mandated telecom service providers to deactivate the phone numbers of subscribers who have not linked their National Identification Numbers (NIN) to their SIM cards by February 28, 2024. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, emphasized the critical national security importance of linking NIN to SIM cards during the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair. He underscored that the previously set deadline for telecom operators to deactivate lines of non-compliant subscribers remains in effect.

Maida highlighted the telecoms industry's significant contribution to the nation's GDP, standing at 13.5% as of 2023. The NCC is dedicated to safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring satisfaction, fostering an environment for accessible, affordable, and equitable services that support the country's economic growth.

As the regulator, NCC encourages telecom companies to prioritize customer satisfaction and adhere to high standards of service delivery. Measures, such as the implementation of Harmonised Short Codes (HSC) approved on May 17, 2023, exemplify the commission's commitment to providing consumers with uniform access to services across all networks, benefiting the over 224 million active mobile telephone lines in Nigeria.

These measures aim to enhance the consumer experience while reinforcing the importance of adhering to regulatory directives. The NCC remains focused on its role as a regulator in the telecommunications sector, ensuring service availability, affordability, and sustainability for all consumer categories leveraging ICT/Telecoms for personal and business activities.

Amidst the regulatory push, the NCC's commitment to consumer rights and satisfaction is evident. The linkage of NIN to SIM cards is viewed as a necessary step for national security reasons, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the set deadline. This directive not only serves as a security measure but also aligns with broader initiatives to create a universally acceptable environment for accessing affordable and equitable services.

As the February 28, 2024 deadline approaches, telecom operators are expected to play a crucial role in implementing the directive and deactivating the lines of subscribers who have not linked their NIN to their SIM cards. The NCC's ongoing efforts underscore its dedication to fostering a telecommunications landscape that prioritizes consumer rights, security, and satisfaction.



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