The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has proclaimed deadlines to bar any mobile phone subscriber without fully linked to the National Identity Numbers (NINs) from the mobile networks in the country, reports ITREALMS.
ITREALMS by ALTON chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo and Executive Secretary, Mr. Gbolahan Awonuga, this notice was sequel to directive by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) dated December 15, 2023.
ALTON directed its members to implement full network barring on all Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Numbers (MSISDNs) for which the subscribers have not submitted their National Identity Numbers (NINs) and those without verified NINs.
According to ALTON, the telecoms regulator had directed its members as providers to implement to the letter the latest directive, insisting that any disconnected must be verified both with biometrics and biodata before their lines will be unbarred.
Deadlines for the implementation, ITREALMS gathered including that "That all MSISDNs for which the subscribers have not submitted their NINs, are to be barred on or before 28 February 2024; "That where five (5) or more MSISDNs are linked to an unverified NIN, such MSISDNs are to be barred on or before 29 March 2024; "Where less than 5 MSISDNs are linked to an unverified NIN, such MSISDNs are to be barred on or before 15 April 2024."
ITREALMS recalled that the Federal Government commenced implementing the SIM/NIN harmonization program in December 2020 through the NCC, which requires all telecommunications subscribers to link their NINs to SIM registration records to avoid service restrictions.
The linking involves, ALTON noted, validates the NIN with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and matching the subscriber’s NIN records with the SIM registration information (verification) to ensure proper subscriber identification.
ALTON said this is in line with the NCC directive, which took effect on 4 April 2022, “all MSISDNs for which the subscribers failed to submit their NINs were placed on outgoing call restriction only, and the affected subscribers were advised to verify their NINs before being reactivated.”
Also, ALTON noted that despite the limited-service restriction, millions of subscribers are yet to submit their NINs for verification. Consequently, the NCC issued this directive dated 15 December 2023 for telecommunications operators to commence full network barring of the affected MSISDNs on the effective dates.
Further, ALTON pointed out that the importance of the NIN cannot be overemphasized. “It is crucial for a reliable and sustainable National Identity Management System in Nigeria. It enables economic inclusion and access to government services and helps address security concerns. Supporting the NIN initiative is necessary for a thriving digital economy and building a safer society. Therefore, our members are committed to implementing the directive as law-abiding corporate citizens who are highly supportive of the government's objective to build a digital economy.
“We, therefore, wish to appeal to esteemed subscribers to kindly enroll for NINs or submit their NINs through the appropriate channel advertised by members to avoid full suspension of services by the set deadlines,” the association urged.
Remmy Nweke/DoP
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