The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced an extension of the deadline for the disconnection of subscribers with unverified National Identification Numbers (NINs) under the third phase of the exercise. The extension, from April 15, 2024, to July 31, 2024, was attributed to the delay in validating NINs of subscribers with less than four lines.
The disconnection process, initiated in February, has been conducted in three phases. The first phase, executed on February 28, 2024, targeted subscribers who had not submitted their NINs by the stipulated deadline. The second phase, which occurred on March 29, 2024, affected subscribers with five or more lines linked to unverified NINs. The third phase, originally scheduled to disconnect subscribers with less than five lines linked to unverified NINs by April 15, 2024, has now been extended.
Reuben Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, explained that the extension was necessary because the NINs submitted by affected subscribers had not yet been validated. This grace period was granted to subscribers who had complied with the requirement to submit their NINs but were awaiting verification.
The decision to extend the deadline underscores the NCC’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition to a fully compliant telecommunications environment while minimizing disruptions to subscribers’ services. It also reflects the Commission’s responsiveness to the challenges encountered during the NIN verification process.
Subscribers are urged to take advantage of the extended deadline to ensure that their NINs are properly validated to avoid any interruptions in their telecommunications services. The NCC remains steadfast in its efforts to enhance regulatory compliance and strengthen the integrity of the telecommunications sector in Nigeria. As the new deadline approaches, stakeholders are encouraged to collaborate closely with the NCC to facilitate the timely verification of NINs and promote a seamless transition to a fully compliant telecommunications ecosystem.
