The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to extend the deadline for the disconnection of telephone lines not linked to National Identification Numbers (NIN) beyond the scheduled date of Friday, March 29, 2024.
According to NATCOMS, subscribers are facing difficulties due to incomplete information capture by telco agents and challenges in uploading the captured data on the National Identity Management Commission’s (NIMC) server. Adeolu Ogunbanjo, President of NATCOMS, emphasized the need for the NCC to order telcos not to disconnect telephone lines, taking into account the ongoing obstacles faced by subscribers.
Despite the subscribers’ plea, the telecom regulator has maintained its stance on the deadline, stating that there will be no changes for the next phase of disconnection. The disconnection process has been implemented in stages, with the second phase initially set for March 29, 2024, following the first phase on February 28, 2024. The third phase is scheduled to commence on April 15, 2024, as previously announced.
Reuben Mouka, Director of Public Publicity at the NCC, reiterated that the directive remains in effect, emphasizing that subscribers who fail to comply will face disconnection. During the previous deadline on February 28, 2024, approximately 40 million lines that were not linked to NIN were barred.
NATCOMS had previously sought a one-month extension before the first deadline, but the NCC clarified that the process was designed to occur in phases, dismissing the need for an extension. Ogunbanjo highlighted that the Operator’s Consumer Centre serves as the primary location for subscribers to complete their registration, with the data provided there being verifiable. However, incomplete registrations have been a concern due to telecom agents omitting crucial information during the process.
Ogunbanjo pointed out that the challenges also involve NIMC, particularly when telecom companies attempt to upload collected data on NIMC’s server, encountering network issues. Insufficient network infrastructure on the part of NIMC exacerbates the problem, hindering the timely completion of the registration process.
In light of these issues, NATCOMS urges the NCC to address the shortcomings of NIMC, improve their services, and acknowledge the challenges in meeting the deadline. The association emphasizes that the current difficulties faced by subscribers make it challenging to comply with the given timeframe.
As of December 31, 2023, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has recorded over 104.16 million unique enrollment figures, serving as the statutory Nigerian organization responsible for the country’s national identity management systems.
