Over the weekend, telecommunication operators in Nigeria deactivated no fewer than 40 million telephone lines as the deadline issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) expired on February 28, 2024.

This dramatic increase from the initially planned 12 million deactivations came after the NCC directive mandated subscribers to link their Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) to their National Identity Numbers (NINs).

The NCC had initially notified telcos in a December 2023 notice, instructing them to bar SIMs not linked to their owners’ NINs by the end of February 2024. Reuben Mouka, the Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, reiterated on Thursday that there would be no extension of the deadline and warned of sanctions against telcos failing to comply.

To aid subscribers in linking their mobile numbers to their NINs and prevent possible disconnection, PUNCH Online has provided a step-by-step guide based on observations and procedures followed by their correspondent:

1. Download the NIMC Personal Identity application from Google Store or Apple Store.
2. Upon installation, the application allows users to link up to 28 mobile numbers to their NIN.
3. Input the 11-digit NIN on the NIMC Personal Identity page to initiate the linkage process.
4. If the NIN is unknown, retrieve it by dialing *346# on the registered mobile number or provide personal details for a search.
5. Confirm the linked number; if incorrect, provide another number for verification.
6. Upon confirmation, an OTP will be sent to the registered number; if not received, dial 3642*NIN#.
7. Input the OTP received to proceed to the identity platform, displaying UserID, NIN info, and a picture.
8. Click on the icon to link additional numbers, and an OTP will be sent to each number for verification.
9. Input the received OTP to successfully link the numbers.

With the deadline now passed, subscribers are urged to promptly follow these steps to avoid any disruption in telecommunications services. The NCC continues to emphasize the importance of linking SIMs to NINs for national security and regulatory compliance.

Credit: Punch