Unless there’s a sudden change of plans, today, all subscribers with four or more lines, whose SIM registration details don’t match their National Identity Number (NIN) data, will face suspension. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its decision not to extend the deadline.
According to a reliable source within the commission, this stance aims to cleanse the SIM ownership database and prevent criminals from exploiting unlinked SIMs for illegal activities.
The commission’s management, following a crucial meeting yesterday, is considering an online application solution for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). This solution would allow subscribers with failed NIN verifications due to biometric discrepancies to update their records via the app, while also enabling existing subscribers to register additional lines.
The source said: “We are not standing back on our decision. March 29th is sacrosanct. Our resolve is hinged on the need to close in on the chaos of untoward ownership of multiple SIM cards with unverified NIN details.
‘’We have instances where a single individual has over 10,000 lines linked to his NIN. In some cases, we have seen a single person with 1,000 lines, some 3,000 plus lines. What are they doing with these lines?
“From our interim findings, the owners of these lines did not purchase them for decent purposes or to undertake legitimate activities.
“We have given them enough time to make the decision of which of their lines they want to keep and discard the others. They did not. All lines in this category with unverified NINs will be barred. They will be then expected to go to their operators and decide which of the lines they want to keep, as well as submit correct NIN details.
“Some people would say they want to use it for car trackers, or IoTs, but provision has been made for these services already. They are not under the ‘Max-4 Rule.’
“Across the world, no country allows you to have 1,000 SIM cards to make calls or texts.”
The Max-4 Rule announced by the Federal Government in April 2021 provides that telecom subscribers cannot have more than four lines per mobile network operator.
The NCC has granted Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) an extension until July 31st, 2024, to verify all National Identity Numbers (NINs) submitted by subscribers with four or fewer SIMs. Additionally, MNOs are required to suspend those subscribers whose NINs fail verification with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
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