Telecoms subscribers in Nigeria are calling upon the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to extend the deadline for linking National Identification Numbers (NIN) to SIM cards, citing security concerns.
The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has urged the NCC to prolong the deadline until March 31, 2024, as the initial deadline of February 28, 2024, loomed.
The directive issued by the NCC requires all telecommunication operators to block phone lines of unlinked subscribers, affecting an estimated 42 million inactive phone numbers and 3 million active lines. Unlinked lines pose a security risk as they lack association with a NIN, which is crucial for identifying individuals.
Deolu Ogunbanjo, president of NATCOMS, commended the NCC’s initiative to bolster the national database for security purposes. However, he stressed the importance of assessing the progress made in linking subscribers before enforcing strict deadlines. Ogunbanjo emphasized that while approximately 12 million subscribers have been linked so far, an extension is necessary to ensure broader compliance.
Amid ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, Ogunbanjo urged the NCC and its executive vice-chairman, Aminu Maida, to evaluate the current status of NIN-linking efforts and consider granting an extension until March 31, 2024. He emphasized the urgency of capturing all subscribers within the extended timeframe to enhance national security measures.
In light of the pressing security situation, Ogunbanjo stated the need for swift action, advocating for a deadline extension rather than a mere three-month postponement. He implored the NCC to prioritize the safety and compliance of telecoms subscribers by extending the NIN-linking deadline.
