Nigeria: 9mobile urges subscribers to link NIN to phone lines to avoid disconnection
In a bid to align with regulatory directives and foster a secure telecommunications environment, Nigeria’s customer-centric telecommunication network, 9mobile, has issued a stern reminder to its subscribers to promptly link their National Identity Numbers (NIN) with their phone lines before the looming deadline of February 28, 2024.
The telecom network provider said failure to adhere to this directive may result in disconnection from the network, leaving subscribers without access to essential services.
In a statement, Ehimare Omoike, the Director of Customer Care at 9mobile, reiterated the urgency of this measure, emphasising that subscribers who neglect to link their SIM cards with their NIN risk losing vital communication services.
The move comes in response to the directive issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in December 2023, aimed at bolstering security measures and curbing illicit activities facilitated through network services.
According to Omoike, despite ongoing awareness campaigns, a significant portion of subscribers, accounting for over 35 per cent of lines, are yet to complete the NIN-SIM linkage process, necessitating a strict enforcement of the deadline.
He underscored the potential inconvenience faced by non-compliant subscribers, who stand to lose access to voice calls, internet connectivity, SMS, One Time Passwords (OTPs), and banking alerts.
“Your line will be disconnected when you do not link your SIM to your National Identity Number (NIN). The implication here is that as a subscriber on 9mobile network, you will be completely shut out from access to the virtual world and you will be greatly inconvenienced.
“We therefore urge all our valued subscribers to endeavour to link their mobile lines with their NIN before February 28, 2024, to keep enjoying endless and seamless value offerings that enhance their lifestyle from 9mobile,” Omoike cautioned.
To facilitate compliance, 9mobile has urged its valued subscribers to take immediate action by visiting any of its outlets for seamless linking of their lines or accessing the nearest 9mobile experience centers through the provided online portal.
The company noted that this proactive step ensures uninterrupted access to the array of value-added services and offerings provided by 9mobile.
According to 9mobile, the mandatory registration and subsequent linkage of NIN to Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards represent a strategic initiative by the Federal Government, administered through the NCC, aimed at fortifying the integrity and transparency of the SIM registration process.
By establishing a robust digital identity database, the initiative seeks to enhance security measures and safeguard against potential threats in Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape.
The linkage process involves rigorous validation of NIN credentials with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database, ensuring alignment with SIM registration information to verify subscriber identities accurately.
As the deadline draws near, 9mobile urges its subscribers to act swiftly and comply with the NIN-SIM linkage requirement to avert potential disruptions to their telecommunications services and contribute to the overarching goal of enhancing security and transparency in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
