The Nigerian Communications Commission has issued a directive to telecommunications operators to restore all phone lines blocked due to non-linkage of National Identification Numbers to SIM cards.

The Director of Media and Public Affairs of NCC, Reuben Muok, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, July 29, 2024.

According to the commission, consumer priority guided its directive due to the short time available for consumers to complete NIN-SIM verification.

The press statement reads: "The objectives of this exercise by the Federal Government of Nigeria include enhancing national security and ensuring the national SIM ownership database is accurate.

"The NIN-SIM linkage policy aids in verifying and protecting users’ identities while also providing a critical infrastructure that assures access to the benefits of a robust digital economy for the citizenry.

“The consumer is our priority, therefore, considering the challenges the blockages have caused, the Commission has directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend in view of the short time available for consumers to undertake the verification of their NINs with their SIMs.

“Reactivated consumers are to note that this is for a limited period to allow them to properly link their NIN to their SIM.”