Telephone subscribers: NCC dismisses fear of mass disconnection
By Ibiyemi Mathew
The Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC) has allayed fears of mass disconnection of subscribers who are yet to link their SIMs with their NIN.
Recall that the commission had earlier gave a three (3) weeks extension for subscribers with NIN from 30th December, 2020 to 19th January, 2021 and Six (6) weeks extension for subscribers without NIN from 30th December, 2020 to 9th February, 2021 following arising complains from subscribers across the country regarding the deadline given previously.
The press statement issued by the commission’s spokesperson, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde allaying the fears reads thus;
“The attention of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been drawn to numerous publications in both print and electronic media regarding the unfounded fears of mass disconnection of telephone subscribers as a result of the ongoing linkage of SIM Registration Records with the National Identity Number (NIN).
“It is therefore necessary for the Commission to issue this clarification in order to allay the fears of subscribers and the general public.
“Most of these publications are based on the erroneous assumption that for every network or SIM connection, there is one unique human subscriber.
“However, with the advent of social media and App-driven digital environment, network subscription went beyond human subscribers to include machines like PoS, Routers, Wi-Fi devices, electricity meters, CCTV, tracking devices etc.
“A recent survey conducted in Nigeria has shown that on average, there are now approximately 4 to 5 SIMs to every human subscriber. This explains the basis of allowing the linkage of up to 7 SIMs to 1 unique NIN in the recently launched Federal Government Portal.
“Thus, if there are 43 million Nigerians with NINs, this could account for about 172 million SIMs already linked to NINs. It is very important to emphasize that the current exercise of linking NIN to SIM(s) is for the common good of all Nigerians, as it has far reaching benefits.
“Apart from enhancing our general safety, this will help in such vital exercises like National Budgeting, Policy Planning, Social Intervention programs and many more.
“The Honourable Minister of Communication and Digital Economy has assured that the Government will continue to review the exercise in the light of experiences to ensure its smooth implementation.”
