The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecommunication companies to extend the disconnection of telephone lines not linked to National Identification Numbers (NIN) from 15th of April, 2024, to 31st of July, 2024.
According to Punchng, a reliable source within the telecommunication sector disclosed this information.
This decision communicated via a letter to telcos came after a careful consideration of various challenges and requests for extensions.
The source said, “So, this particular extension from 15th April to 31st July is for those who have four SIMs linked to just one phone line.”
The disconnection process, which began in February, was rolled out in three phases. The first occurred on 28th of February, 2024, followed by the second phase on Friday, 29th of March, 2024.
Originally scheduled for 15th of April, 2024, the third phase has now been rescheduled to commence on 31st of July, 2024.
During the initial deadline on 28th of February, 2024, the industry regulator said about 40 million lines not linked to NINs were barred.
The source said while the exact number of lines affected by Friday’s deadline remains unclear, telecom companies are expected to proceed with disconnecting lines not linked with NINs.
Telecom operators are expected to prioritize the verification of existing subscribers over new ones during this extended period.
