The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has called for a two-week extension of the National Identification Number (NIN)-Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) linkage deadline. Initially set for September 14, 2024, NATCOMS is requesting the deadline be moved to September 30, 2024. This appeal comes in response to telecom companies disconnecting unlinked SIM cards after the September 14 deadline.
Issues with the NIMC Portal: A Major Hurdle
In an interview, NATCOMS National President, Deolu Ogunbanjo, highlighted critical issues regarding the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) portal. According to Ogunbanjo, the portal’s inability to handle the sheer volume of uploads required for the NIN-SIM linkage process has caused significant delays and widespread frustration. This issue affects not only subscribers but also telecom operators.
He explained that the current capacity of the NIMC portal is inadequate to process the surge of requests from millions of subscribers attempting to complete their NIN-SIM linkage before the deadline. This technical bottleneck has created a situation where even those making efforts to comply are hindered by slow processing times.
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NATCOMS’ Appeal to the NCC
Given the technical limitations of the NIMC portal, Ogunbanjo urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to extend the deadline, allowing NIMC more time to upgrade its portal and improve the overall process. He emphasized that without this extension, both telecom operators and subscribers would continue to face unnecessary stress and disruptions.
First-Hand Observations from Telecom Service Centers
Ogunbanjo personally visited customer service centers of major telecom operators such as Airtel and MTN. During these visits, he observed firsthand the congestion and frustration experienced by subscribers.
“The congestion was palpable, and the slow pace of uploads was frustrating,” Ogunbanjo said. “It was clear that the NIMC portal lacked the capacity to handle the surge in uploads, causing undue stress for telecom operators and their subscribers.”
Progress and Compliance Rates
Despite these challenges, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reported significant progress in the ongoing effort to link SIM cards with NINs. In August 2024, the NCC announced that 96% of all active SIMs had been successfully linked to NINs, up from just 69.7% in January 2024. This progress means that over 153 million SIM cards are now linked to valid NINs, reflecting the increasing success of the policy.
However, the remaining 4%, or approximately 66 million lines, are still unlinked and at risk of being disconnected if the September 14 deadline is not extended. According to data from the NCC, as of March 2024, there were a total of 219 million active mobile lines across major networks such as MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile.
The History of NIN-SIM Linkage Deadlines
The NIN-SIM linkage directive was first announced by the federal government in December 2020 as part of a broader effort to enhance national security and streamline the identification process across various sectors. The NCC mandated telecom companies to begin implementing the directive in December 2023. However, several extensions have been granted since then due to various technical and logistical challenges.
In 2024 alone, the deadline has been extended multiple times. The first extension moved the deadline from February 28 to April 15, followed by another extension to July 31, and most recently, to September 14, 2024. If NATCOMS’ request for a further extension to September 30 is approved, it will mark the fifth extension this year alone.
Will the September 14 Deadline Hold?
When the NCC announced the current September 14 deadline, many questioned whether it would truly be the final deadline. However, with NATCOMS’ recent appeal, it seems possible that the deadline could once again be pushed back.
On the other hand, an anonymous NCC official reportedly dismissed the likelihood of further extensions, stating, “We will disconnect anyone who refuses to comply; the grace period is over.”
Previous Disconnections and Public Reactions
This is not the first time the disconnection of unlinked SIMs has caused public unrest. In July 2024, when a similar deadline passed, MTN, one of the country’s largest telecom providers, closed all of its offices and customer service centers across Nigeria due to widespread customer outrage following the disconnection of unlinked lines. In response to the public backlash, the NCC intervened, ordering the telecom providers to reactivate the disconnected lines, and the deadline was once again extended.
Conclusion
The ongoing NIN-SIM linkage process is a significant national policy aimed at improving the security and efficiency of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. While substantial progress has been made, with over 153 million SIMs successfully linked to NINs, challenges remain. The NIMC portal’s limitations and the looming threat of disconnection for millions of subscribers make NATCOMS’ request for a deadline extension a matter of critical importance. The coming weeks will reveal whether the NCC will grant the requested extension or stand firm on its September 14 deadline.
