News

See the Number of Millions of GSM Lines Improperly Linked to NIN: Key Insights

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 2nd, 2024.

See the Number of Millions of GSM Lines Improperly Linked to NIN: Key Insights

According to Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, over 30 million phone lines are not correctly linked to the National Identification Number (NIN) and are at risk of disconnection. These lines are predominantly found in car trackers, MiFi units, WiFi devices, and Point of Sale (POS) machines.

Adebayo shared this information during an interview with News Central, noting that the scale of the issue is significant. “We are potentially looking at over 30 million SIM cards in various digital devices that haven’t been properly linked to the NIN,” he said.

This disclosure follows recent disruptions caused by the disconnection of lines not associated with NINs. Last weekend, telecom companies began blocking lines without NIN links ahead of the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) July 31, 2024 deadline. Since February 2024, telecom operators have been gradually disconnecting lines as part of a phased approach mandated by the NCC, with the final phase concluding on the deadline.

Initially, three million lines were blocked before the NCC instructed telecom companies to restore them. Adebayo explained that these disconnections were due to mismatches between telecom records and the National Identity Management Commission’s data. “There were cases where NINs provided did not match our records,” he said. “These discrepancies need to be addressed at service centers for proper verification.”

Despite the timing of these disconnections aligning with nationwide protests, Adebayo clarified that the actions were unrelated to the demonstrations. “The disconnections were planned well in advance of the protests,” he emphasized. “Our actions are based on our commitment to providing services impartially.”

Adebayo also stressed the importance of accurate data for building a reliable national database. “For a dependable national database, accurate information from individuals is crucial,” he said. “The database’s reliability depends on the public’s honesty.”

In response to the challenges caused by these disconnections, the NCC has instructed telecom operators to temporarily reactivate the affected lines. “Consumers should use this opportunity to properly link their NIN to their SIMs,” Adebayo concluded.