Nigeria’s Telecom Industry Faces Crisis as 30 Million Lines Risk Disconnection

A staggering 30 million phone lines in Nigeria are on the verge of disconnection due to incomplete National Identification Number (NIN) linking, according to Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON).

This development has sparked widespread disruptions in service, affecting not only personal phone lines but also those used in critical devices such as car trackers, MiFi units, WiFi devices, and Point of Sale (POS) machines.

The crisis has been unfolding since February 2024, when telecom operators began implementing a phased disconnection of phone lines not successfully linked with NINs, in compliance with Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) directives. Despite a brief reprieve, the situation escalated last weekend, with millions of lines barred ahead of the July 31, 2024 deadline.

Adebayo attributed the chaos to discrepancies in records between telecom operators and the National Identity Management Commission, emphasizing the need for accurate data to build a reliable national database. He urged individuals to provide truthful and consistent information during registration to avoid future complications.

In response to the challenges caused by the blockages, the NCC has directed all operators to reactivate lines disconnected over the weekend, allowing consumers a limited period to properly link their NIN to their SIM. Adebayo assured that the consumer’s interest remains the top priority, reiterating the industry’s commitment to providing services on a non-discriminatory basis.