NIN-SIM linkage: FG directs Telcos to bar outgoing calls on unlinked lines

 

LAGOS, Nigeria – The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has directed telecommunications companies in Nigeria to bar all outgoing calls from Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards  that are yet to be linked with their National Identity Numbers, NIN.

This follows approval by President Muhammadu Buhari for implementation of the policy with effect from the 4th of April, 2022.

“Consequently, the Federal Government has directed all Telcos to strictly enforce the Policy on all SIMs issued (existing and new) in Nigeria”, the minister said, adding that outgoing calls will subsequently be barred for telephone lines that have not complied with the NIN-SIM linkage Policy from the 4th  of April, 2022.

According to him, subscribers of such lines will be required  to link their SIMs to their NINs before the Telcos can lift the restriction on their lines.

“ Affected individuals are hereby advised to register for their NINs at designated centers and thereafter link the NINs to their SIMs through the channels provided by NIMC and the Telcos, including the NIMC mobile App”, Pantami said.

Professor Pantami specially appreciates President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) for his tremendous support.  He also commends the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Dambatta, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Aliyu Azeez Abubakar along with their Management and Staff, as well as other notable bodies whose efforts have seen to the monumental success of the exercise.

The Minister also extends his thanks to the telecommunication operators for their support towards the success recorded. The Minister emphasized that enrolment for the NIN is a continuous exercise and that NIN remains a precondition for service in Telcos, banks, Nigerian Immigration Service, and for several other government services.

He also encouraged Nigerians and legal residents to visit NIN registration centers for the enrollment and issuance of valid NINs.