In a swift response to widespread protests, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom companies to immediately restore the telephone lines of subscribers that were blocked due to the non-linkage of their National Identification Numbers (NIN) to SIM cards. The order came after thousands of frustrated customers stormed the offices of telecom firms, demanding their lines be reinstated.

An estimated three million lines from various mobile operators across Nigeria were affected, according to an insider who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The NCC’s directive, issued on Monday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, aims to address the massive disruption and outrage caused by the blockages.

The disconnections, which began on Sunday, left many subscribers unable to access essential services. This coincided with the anticipated August 1 nationwide protests, sparking concerns about potential communication blackouts. However, the NCC and telecom operators dismissed these fears, asserting that the blockages were part of an ongoing data harmonization exercise.

“The customer is our priority,” the NCC specified. “Considering the obstacles the clogs have caused, the commission has actually directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend, offering consumers more time to verify their NINs with their SIMs.”

The reactivation is temporary, urging subscribers to promptly complete their NIN-SIM linkage to avoid future disruptions. Initiated in December 2020, the mandatory NIN-SIM linkage aims to enhance national security and ensure an accurate SIM ownership database. Despite multiple extensions, including the latest to July 31, 2024, many lines remain unverified.

In their respective financial reports, MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria revealed significant numbers of unlinked lines. MTN disclosed that it disconnected 4.2 million lines by the February 28 deadline, while Airtel reported that 5.7 million subscribers were still unlinked as of May.

The NCC’s prompt action highlights the urgency to resolve this issue and maintain public trust in the regulatory process. As telecom operators scramble to comply with the directive, subscribers are urged to complete their NIN-SIM linkage to ensure uninterrupted service.