Following the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC’s) deadline mobile network operators to deactivate Sim cards not linked with the National identification Number (NIN), many citizens have been running from pillar to post to see how to ‘secure’ their sims.Â
According to a report, no fewer than 40 million telephone lines were affected by the NIN-SIM linkage issue, following the expiration of the February 28, 2024 deadline issued by the NCC.
This represents a 28 million increase from the 12 million telephone lines initially planned to be deactivated by telcos, following the NCC directive.
To forestall possible disconnection of your mobile number(s), the following step-by-step guide afford you the opportunity to navigate how to link your mobile numbers to NIN through the use of the NIMC Personal Identity digital application as observed.
1. If you do not know your NIN, retrieve it by dialling *346# on the mobile number provided during the registration or supply your first name, middle name, surname and date of birth in the information box provided by the app to search the NIN.
2. After proceeding with providing the NIN in the box, it will proceed to confirm your number.
3. If the number found linked to your NIN is not that known, indicate that you want to use another number in the options provided.
4. Provide the number and you will immediately get an SMS containing a token to proceed.
5. If you don’t get an OTP, dial *364*2*NIN#.
6. You will receive an SMS containing your UserID and OTP.
7. You will then input the OTP after which you will be taken to your identity platform which will show your UserID and NIN info with a picture.
8. There’s an icon that will show that you can link your numbers, click on it and add your numbers.
9. Another OTP will be sent to the number(s) you want to link, input it and it will be linked.
Doing this will save you from disconnection and unnecessary heart palpitation.
Recall that on Thursday, Reuben Mouka, the director, Public Affairs, NCC, ruled out an extension of the NIN-SIM linkage deadline, warning that telcos that failed to enforce the deadline would be sanctioned.
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