Why SIMs are being barred despite linkage to NINs – NCC

The airwaves of Nigeria are buzzing with frustration. Phone lines are getting unceremoniously silenced as telecoms swing the bar hammer. Why? Duplicate National Identification Numbers (NINs), and it’s all thanks to unscrupulous third-party agents.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) dropped this bombshell at a recent media briefing in Lagos, shedding light on the mystery behind the recent wave of SIM blockages despite completed NIN-SIM linkages. Director of Compliance, Mr. Efosa Idehen, painted a disturbing picture: “NIN duplication, fueled by agents operating for a quick buck, is causing chaos.”

These agents, lurking in the shadows of the registration process, are selling duplicate NINs to unsuspecting subscribers. This creates a digital identity nightmare. Imagine multiple people claiming ownership of the same NIN! When the system audits and identifies the true owner, rightful subscribers get caught in the crossfire, their lines unjustly suspended.

“We have a lot of things happening in the industry, especially SIM-NIN linkage for money,” Idehen revealed, highlighting the dark side of a process meant to enhance security. “People register their SIMs and try to link their NINs, but these agents wreak havoc.”

The NCC is fighting back. Vowing to “correct this,” they aim for a transparent system where ownership claims are clear and indisputable. This comes as welcome news to frustrated subscribers stuck in limbo.

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