NCC: Telecommunication Companies To Block SIM Cards Unconnected To NIN By Dec. 30th
SIM card users have been directed to update their data with telecoms companies with NIN.
According to the new directives issued by the NCC, SIM not linked with NIN will be blocked. This will take effect after December 30 as SIM users have been directed to enroll for their National Identification Number on NIMC website.
Ikechukwu Adinde, NCC director of public affairs, made this disclosure on Tuesday, December 15, in a statement in Abuja.
Adinde said the new rule applies to new Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards, stressing that those not linked with NIN will be disconnected in two weeks’ time.
“Operators to require all their subscribers to provide valid National Identification Number (NIN) to update SIM registration records. “The submission of NIN by subscribers to take place within two weeks; commencing Dec.16 and ending by Dec. 30. After the deadline, all SIMs without NINs are to be blocked from the networks.”
Also announcing the development, Bashir Ahmed, a social media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari told Nigerians to “dial *346# to retrieve your NIN” or visit NIMC website to enroll for the National Identification Number.
As the NCC gave telecommunications operators (MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9Mobile and others) two weeks to block all SIM cards that are not linked with the National Identity Numbers (NIN), if already enrolled, dial *346# to retrieve your NIN, as we await details from NCC/telcoms. SHARE!
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) December 15, 2020
He added that enrollment is free and the process can be started online. “NIMC: For those who are yet to enroll and want to do so conveniently, you can start the process online here; http://www.nimc.gov.ng/ then visit a nearest enrollment centre to complete the registration.”
