The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has restated its directive to telecom service providers to bar telephone subscribers not linked to their National Identification Numbers (NIN) on or before February 28, 2024.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, spoke at the NCC’s Special Day at the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair on Wednesday, February 28.

Maida was represented by Reuben Mouka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs.

He said that as a matter of critical national security, telecom consumers must link their NIN to their SIM.

He maintained that the February 28th deadline given to telecom operators to bar subscribers for failure to link their NIN to SIM, stands.

Mouka said: “To this end, the National Communication Commission has directed all telecommunication operators to bar phone lines of subscribers whose lines are not linked to their NINs on or before February 28, 2024.

“As a regulator of the telecommunications sector in the country, the Commission carries out its functions to ensure service availability, affordability, and sustainability for all categories of consumers, who are leveraging ICT/Telecoms to drive personal and business activities.

“Conversely, as we promote economic growth through the development of local content, we must also address the challenges faced by consumers and NCC is committed to protecting their rights while ensuring their satisfaction.”

The NCC boss, therefore, urged telecom firms to prioritize customer satisfaction and uphold the highest standards of service delivery, noting that the commission has implemented measures to safeguard the interests of consumers and businesses alike.

One such measure, he said, was the NCC’s directive on May 17, 2023, that all licensed Mobile Network Operators commence implementation of approved Harmonised Short Codes for providing services to Nigerian telecom consumers.

He added: “The new initiative is enabling consumers using the over 224 million active mobile telephone lines in Nigeria to use the same codes to access services across all networks.”