The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a directive to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to reconnect Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards that were recently barred from making and receiving calls.
This decision came shortly after protests broke out in some parts of the country as angry customers who were unable to make or receive calls besieged the offices of some telecommunication companies.
Over the weekend, numerous subscribers found their SIM cards deactivated due to issues with the mandatory linkage of their National Identity Number (NIN) with their SIM cards.
The disconnection affected users of major telecom operators, including MTN, Globacom, Airtel, and 9mobile, leading to significant inconvenience and frustration.
The disconnection saga traces back to the NCC’s directive for MNOs to enforce the NIN-SIM linkage policy, a measure aimed at enhancing security and reducing fraud within the country.
Initiated in December 2020, the policy required subscribers to link their NINs with their SIM cards. Despite several extensions of the deadline to accommodate subscribers, the latest cutoff was set for July 31, 2024.
On Sunday, thousands of Nigerians were jolted awake to find their SIM cards barred by MTN Group Limited and other telecom giants.
The disconnection led to an outpouring of anger and frustration, with many subscribers storming the offices and centers of MNOs in various cities, including Osogbo, Ikeja, Festac town, Uyo, and Warri.
Viral videos on social media captured scenes of disgruntled subscribers protesting the abrupt disconnection.
In response to the public outcry and the chaotic scenes at MNO offices, the NCC swiftly directed all telecom operators to reconnect the affected SIM cards.
The commission’s decision underscores its sensitivity to the plight of Nigerians and its commitment to maintaining a balanced and fair regulatory environment.
The mass disconnection also stirred allegations of sabotage related to the upcoming #EndBadGovernance protest.
Prominent lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) accused telecom companies of deliberately disconnecting subscribers to undermine the protest.
In a statement titled “Sabotage By Telecoms Companies,” Adegboruwa called on the NCC to protect subscribers’ interests and prevent further disruptions.
“For the past few days, some telecoms companies have been disconnecting their subscribers for very flimsy and untenable reasons,” Adegboruwa asserted.
“Some allege lack of NIN registration or linking while some didn’t give any reason at all.”
However, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators in Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, dismissed these allegations as baseless.
In an interview with Vanguard, Adebayo described the sabotage claims as “the funniest allegation anybody can make.”
The NIN-SIM linkage policy has been a critical component of Nigeria’s strategy to enhance national security and curb criminal activities.
The policy requires all telecom subscribers to link their NINs with their SIM cards to create a unified database for easier identification and verification.
Since its inception, the policy has faced multiple extensions to ensure comprehensive compliance.
The initial deadline of February 28, 2024, was first extended to April 15, 2024, and then to the final deadline of July 31, 2024.
Despite these extensions, many subscribers struggled to complete the linkage, leading to the recent wave of disconnections.
With the NCC’s latest directive, the immediate crisis of disconnection appears to be resolved.
However, the incident highlights the ongoing challenges in implementing nationwide policies that affect millions of subscribers.
The NCC’s swift action in directing the reconnection of SIM cards reflects its dedication to maintaining consumer trust and ensuring that regulatory measures do not unduly burden the public.
