MTN Nigeria Communications PLC has warned subscribers that it would soon block SIM cards without the National Identity Numbers (NINs).
According to telecoms giant, such SIMs will be barred from using the network on or before 28 February, 2024.
MTN, in a statement issued by Uto Ukpanah, Company Secretary, said the move is part of an industry-wide directive that requires phone lines for which the subscribers have not submitted their NINs to be barred on or before 28 February
The company said it received the instruction from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to carry out its directive to halt those without NINs from using the network.
Speaking about NINs that have been submitted but not verified, such lines would be barred on or before March 29 2024, where five or more lines are linked to an unverified NIN.
“Similarly, where less than five lines are linked to an unverified NIN, such lines are to be barred on or before 15 April 2024. All affected subscribers must be verified (biometrics and biodata) before their lines are unbarred.
“This is a follow-up to the NCC’s directive on 4 April 2022 requiring operators to restrict outgoing calls (one-way barring) for subscribers whose lines are not associated with NINs.
“We are further engaging the affected subscribers through all our channels to encourage them to submit their NINs for verification. As part of these efforts, we are enhancing the capacity of our various service outlets to make the process smoother and more efficient,” the company said.
According to MTN, “We are committed to ensuring that our subscribers comply with the NCC directive and will continue to work with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to accelerate the NIN verification process.
“We appreciate the effort being made by the Federal Government to implement a reliable and sustainable National Identity Management system, which is a crucial enabler for national and economic development.
“Therefore, as a law-abiding corporate citizen and in line with our operating licence requirements, we are committed to complying with the industry-wide directive from the NCC and will MTN Nigeria Communications PLC provide further updates to investors on progress and potential impact with the release of FY 2023 results.”
The company urged all its subscribers who have not yet linked their NIN to their lines to take
immediate action by visiting the nearest MTN outlet or using any of its digital channels before the deadlines.
“Those without a NIN should visit any of the NIMC’s enrollment centers nationwide to enrol for NIN.
Uto Ukpanah FCIS Company Secretary,” it said.
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‘Block SIMs without NIN’: NCC Orders MTN, Airtel, Other Service Providers