Telecommunication companies in Nigeria have begun the last phase of disconnecting Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) numbers not linked to National Identification Numbers (NIN).

This disconnection surprised a lot of subscribers since the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) extended its deadline to July 31, 2024.

Recall that in December 2023, the NCC directed all telecommunications operators to block SIMs that had not submitted their NIN by February 28.

Also, customers who had submitted their NINs but are still not verified were to be barred on April 15.

This deadline was however extended to July 31.

The sudden disconnection has caused many Nigerians to rush to the offices of MTN, GLO, and 9mobile to find solutions.

A trader at the MTN office in Lagos, Chinedu Eze, disclosed that he has been unable to make or receive calls since Friday, July 26.

Chinedu said: "My weekend has been terrible. My phone line was suddenly blocked. I honestly thought I had completed the process."

Bimpe, also stated that she has been unable to make calls since Friday.

"I can't make or receive calls. This is why I am here so early to find a solution," she said.

MTN releases easy steps to unblock line

In a post shared on its official X account, MTN said:

*Dial 996# or Buy bundles.

Visit: nin.mtn.ng

Check NIN status and proceed if not linked.

Enter OTP.

Enter NIN.

Give consent and submit NIN linking request.

OTP will be sent to your email and mobile number.

If you’re unable to receive OTP, please visit any nearby MTN Store to unblock your line."