NIN Required: Immediate Mobile Number Linkage Guide!”

Over the weekend, telecommunication operators took action, barring no fewer than 40 million telephone lines as the February 28, 2024 deadline set by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) expired. This mandate required telecom consumers to link their Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) to their National Identity Numbers (NINs), emphasizing regulatory compliance.

This staggering figure represents a significant increase from the initially planned deactivation of 12 million telephone lines, as directed by the NCC. Despite calls for an extension, the NCC Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, stood firm on Thursday, ruling out any deadline extensions and cautioning telcos of potential sanctions for non-compliance with the directive.

• The NCC issued a notice in December 2023, instructing telcos to deactivate SIMs not linked to NINs by February 28, 2024.

• Download the NIMC Personal Identity app from Google Store or Apple Store.

• Upon downloading, users can link up to approximately 28 mobile numbers to their NIN.

• Enter your 11-digit NIN on the NIMC Personal Identity page to proceed with the linkage.

• Retrieve your NIN by dialing *346# or provide personal details on the app if unknown.

• Confirm the linked number or opt for another if necessary.

• Upon providing a new number, an SMS containing a token will be sent for verification.

• If OTP isn’t received, dial 3642*NIN#.

• Upon receiving the OTP, input it along with your UserID to access the identity platform.

• Verify and add your mobile numbers through the platform.

• Another OTP will be sent to the numbers for confirmation, after which they will be successfully linked.