As the deadline for integrating National Identity Numbers (NIN) with mobile SIMs elapsed on February 28, MTN Nigeria has disconnected 4.2 million lines from its network. This action follows the directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), mandating all telecom operators to implement full network barring on lines lacking NIN registration.
Subscribers who failed to submit their NINs faced complete network barring, while those who provided NINs but lacked verification also encountered restrictions. The NCC stipulated additional measures, including the complete prohibition of unverified NINs linked to five or more lines by March 29, 2024, and those associated with fewer than five lines by April 15, 2024. Impacted subscribers must undergo biometric and biodata verification before their lines can be unbarred.
In its recently released audited financial results, MTN Nigeria confirmed the disconnection of lines where subscribers failed to submit NINs. The company disclosed that it has verified 19 million lines since the NCC’s industry-wide regulation in December 2023. Out of these, 4.3 million have been successfully verified, while 4.2 million were disconnected by February 28, 2024.
MTN Nigeria emphasized that the disconnection would not significantly impact its revenue, as the affected users were deemed low value. The company highlighted ongoing efforts to expedite the NIN verification process through engagement with authorities and enhanced customer communication channels to minimize service disruptions.
As MTN Nigeria navigates the aftermath of the NIN-SIM integration deadline, the telecom industry continues to adapt to regulatory changes while ensuring compliance with NCC directives.
