The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has mandated a strict deadline of February 28, 2024, by which all telecom operators must enforce the complete blocking of SIM cards that are not registered to a National Identification Number (NIN).
In an official statement, MTN revealed that varying deadlines exist for NINs that have been submitted but are still awaiting verification. For unverified NINs linked to five or more lines, the SIM cards will face blocking by March 29. In the case of unverified NINs with fewer than five linked lines, the deadline for SIM blocking is April 15. Subscribers seeking to unblock their SIM cards must undergo NIN verification using biometric data.
MTN emphasized its proactive engagement with affected subscribers, urging them to submit their NINs for verification promptly. Additionally, the telecom company is actively expanding the capabilities of its service outlets to facilitate the verification process. MTN expressed its commitment to collaborating with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to expedite the overall procedure and ensure compliance with the regulatory directive by its subscribers.
