MTN Nigeria Bars 8.6 Million Subscribers as NCC Extends SIM Linkage Deadline

In a recent development, MTN Nigeria has barred approximately 8.6 million subscribers from making calls due to non-compliance with the National Identity Number (NIN)-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) linkage directive. This move comes as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has extended the deadline for the linkage exercise.

The barred lines consist of subscribers who failed to submit their NIN and those with more than five lines linked to an unverified NIN. Despite this substantial number, MTN’s proactive customer value management initiatives have mitigated the impact, resulting in a net decrease of only 2 million subscribers, leaving MTN with a total of 77.7 million subscribers at the end of the first quarter of 2024.

MTN Nigeria, in compliance with the NCC's directive, has barred the affected subscribers from making calls, but they can still receive calls and access data services. This measure is aimed at encouraging the subscribers to link their SIM cards to their NIN.

NCC has extended the initial 15 April deadline to 31 July 2024. This extension provides additional time for subscribers with less than five lines linked to an unverified NIN to complete the necessary verification exercises. Subscribers who have been barred can restore their call services by visiting any MTN service center or agent with their NIN and SIM card to complete the linkage process.

The NIN-SIM linkage exercise has undoubtedly affected MTN’s business operations, impacting the development of its user base across key business units, including voice, data, and fintech services. The CEO of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, highlighted that the company experienced a marginal decline in active data subscribers by approximately 78,000 to 44.5 million. However, the company also reported increased activity within the base, with voice traffic rising by 5.1% and data traffic by 40.6%.

Data from the NCC indicates that total active mobile subscriptions in Nigeria, which stood at 224.4 million in December 2023, declined to 219 million as of March 2024 as all telecom operators implemented the policy. It is essential for all Nigerians to comply with this directive to enhance national security and support the Federal Government's efforts.