MTN Nigeria to Bar Unverified SIMs by April 2024, Following NCC Directive

MTN Nigeria Communications PLC (MTN Nigeria) has received a directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to implement full network barring on all phone lines without verified National Identity Numbers (NINs). This measure follows a previous regulation from April 2022 restricting outgoing calls for lines not linked to NINs.

Deadlines for Barring:

• February 28, 2024: Lines with no submitted NINs will be barred.
• March 29, 2024: Lines with unverified NINs and linked to five or more phone numbers will be barred.
• April 15, 2024: Lines with unverified NINs and linked to less than five phone numbers will be barred.

Affected Subscribers:

MTN is actively contacting affected subscribers and expanding service outlets to streamline the NIN verification process. All barred lines require biometric and biodata verification for reactivation.

Government Initiative:

MTN acknowledges the government’s effort to establish a reliable national identity system and supports this initiative as a law-abiding citizen. Further updates on progress and potential impact will be provided with the release of FY 2023 results.

Action Required:

MTN urges all subscribers with unlinked NINs to visit the nearest MTN outlet or use digital channels before the deadlines. Those without a NIN should visit any NIMC enrollment center nationwide.