NATCOMS Urges NCC to Extend NIN-SIM Linkage Deadline Amid Portal Issues and Extortion Concerns

• Sep 15, 2024

The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to extend the NIN-SIM linkage deadline from September 14 to September 30. This appeal follows persistent challenges with the National Identity Management Commission’s (NIMC) portal, which have hindered the smooth linking of SIM cards to National Identification Numbers (NIN).

Mr. Deolu Ogunbanjo, President of NATCOMS, raised these concerns during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He emphasized that the NIMC portal has struggled to handle the influx of data, frustrating the efforts of telecom operators and subscribers. According to Ogunbanjo, an additional two weeks would allow NIMC to improve its portal’s capacity and ease the process for all involved.

The NCC had set the original deadline of September 14, 2024, with the aim of enhancing digital security and reducing fraud through the NIN-SIM linkage. However, Ogunbanjo noted that telecom operators are facing severe difficulties uploading users' data to the NIMC portal. He cited personal observations from customer centers of major telecom providers like Airtel and MTN, where the congestion and delays were overwhelming.

In addition to technical issues, some customers have reported unethical practices at customer centers. A food vendor, Mrs. Zainab Olajide, shared her experience with NAN, stating that she was asked to pay N1,000 before being attended to at her local center. Despite arriving early, her position in line was still 282, a situation she found frustrating. Olajide expressed hope for an extended deadline to accommodate more subscribers facing similar challenges.

Other users have echoed her concerns. Consultant Mr. Clement Umeadi, who visited a center in Alagbado, reported being charged N2,000 to unblock his two lines. He criticized the use of set deadlines, arguing that they encourage exploitation and should be replaced with a continuous registration process.

However, not all experiences were negative. At a customer center in Opebi, accountant Josh Manuel reported a seamless process, noting the professionalism of the staff and their effective crowd management. He added that no extra fees were demanded, and he felt compelled to commend the center’s staff for their efforts.

Despite these mixed experiences, many still struggle with delays. Mrs. Olushola Oke, a teacher, shared her frustration after multiple visits to a customer center in Ogba before her line was unblocked. She also called for an extension, highlighting the slow pace of uploads as a major issue.

Telecom agents at various centers confirmed these challenges, attributing delays to slow verification processes on the NIMC portal. Some, like Mr. Quadri Adegoke in Ogba, speculated that ongoing construction near their center might be affecting the network. Nevertheless, they emphasized that the heavy traffic on the NIMC portal was a significant barrier to efficient service.

As the September 14 deadline looms, the appeal for an extension grows louder. NATCOMS hopes that by granting an additional two weeks, the NIMC can resolve these issues, ensuring a smoother process for all stakeholders.