The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced an extension of the deadline for the linkage of telephone lines to National Identification Numbers (NIN), shifting the cutoff date from April 15, 2024, to July 31, 2024.

This decision, confirmed by a reliable source within the telecommunications sector to Punch, comes in response to the challenges faced by subscribers and operators and numerous requests for additional time to ensure compliance.

The extension, communicated through an official letter to telecommunication companies, aims to provide subscribers with the necessary additional time to link their telephone lines with their NIN, ensuring uninterrupted service while adhering to regulatory requirements. The extension specifically targets individuals with multiple SIM cards linked to a single phone line.

The disconnection process, initiated in February, unfolded in three phases. The first phase occurred on February 28, 2024, followed by the second phase on March 29, 2024. Now, the third phase is rescheduled to commence on July 31, 2024.

During the initial deadline on February 28, 2024, approximately 40 million lines not linked to NINs were barred from service.

While the exact number of lines affected by the recent deadline remains uncertain, telecom companies are expected to proceed with disconnecting lines not linked with NINs.

Telecom operators are urged to prioritize the verification of existing subscribers over new ones during this extended period.

This move seeks to facilitate compliance with the NIN linkage directive while ensuring minimal disruption to communication services across the country.