Telecommunications operators in Nigeria, including MTN, Airtel, and Globacom, among others, have been directed to implement full network barring on all phone lines for which the subscribers have not submitted their national identification numbers (NINs) by February 28, 2024.
The directive is from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
According to a notice from MTN Nigeria to the Nigeria Stock Exchange, those who had submitted their NINs but have not been verified are also to be fully barred on or before 29 March, 2024, where five or more lines are linked to an unverified NIN.
Similarly, where less than five lines are linked to an unverified NIN, such lines are to be barred on or before 15 April, 2024.
The NCC said all affected subscribers must be verified (biometrics and biodata) before their lines are unbarred.
From restriction to full barring
On 4 April, 2022, the NCC directed operators to restrict outgoing calls (one-way barring) for subscribers whose lines are not linked with NINs.
MTN said it was further engaging the affected subscribers through all its channels to encourage them to submit their NINs for verification.
“As part of these efforts, we are enhancing the capacity of our various service outlets to make the process smoother and more efficient. We are committed to ensuring that our subscribers comply with the NCC directive and will continue to work with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to accelerate the NIN verification process.
“We appreciate the effort being made by the Federal Government to implement a reliable and sustainable National Identity Management system, which is a crucial enabler for national and economic development. Therefore, as a law-abiding corporate citizen and in line with our operating license requirements, we are committed to complying with the industry-wide directive from the NCC and will provide further updates to investors on progress and potential impact with the release of FY 2023 results,” MTN stated in the notice.
The company urged all its subscribers who have not yet linked their NIN to their lines to take immediate action by visiting the nearest outlet or using any of its digital channels before the deadlines. Those without a NIN are also encouraged to visit any of the NIMC’s enrollment centers nationwide to enroll for NIN
