The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to extend the NIN-SIM linkage deadline from Sept. 14 to Sept. 30, citing challenges with the National Identity Management Commission’s (NIMC) portal.
Speaking with Pathway News on Sunday, NATCOMS National President, Mr. Deolu Ogunbanjo, requested the two-week extension due to the difficulties telecom operators face in uploading data to the NIMC portal. He highlighted the portal’s limited capacity, which has caused delays and frustration for both operators and subscribers.
The NCC had previously set a Sept. 14, 2024, deadline for all mobile users to link their SIMs to their National Identification Number (NIN), a move aimed at enhancing digital security and reducing fraud.
Ogunbanjo explained, “At customer centers for Airtel and MTN, I saw firsthand the struggles operators face in uploading data. The congestion and slow pace were frustrating, showing that the NIMC portal needs more capacity to handle the surge.” He urged the NCC to grant an extension to allow NIMC to upgrade its infrastructure, ensuring a smoother process for all stakeholders.
A Pathway News check at various customer centers revealed mixed experiences. Mrs. Zainab Olajide, a food vendor, said her NIN-SIM linkage process was seamless but reported being asked to pay N1,000 before receiving assistance. She noted that agents took advantage of the crowd by charging extra fees, despite arriving at 10 a.m. and receiving number 282 in the queue.
Similarly, Consultant Mr. Clement Umeadi decried the extortion at his center in Alagbado, where he paid N2,000 to unblock two barred lines. He called for the NIN-SIM linkage to be a continuous process with no set deadline, arguing that deadlines promote unwholesome practices.
On a more positive note, Josh Manuel, an accountant, reported a smooth and professional experience at a center in Opebi, where no money was demanded, and the crowd was handled effectively.
However, other customers, like teacher Mrs. Olushola Oke, shared frustrations over the slow upload process at a center in Ogba. She said it took three early morning visits to have her line unbarred, calling for an extension of the deadline to allow more subscribers to complete the process.
An anonymous customer center staff member confirmed that subscriber turnout was impressive but noted that the last-minute rush, common in previous extensions, had been avoided this time. Another agent, Mr. Quadri Adegoke, highlighted the slow pace of verification on the NIMC portal, which had severely impacted the process.
NATCOMS continues to appeal to the NCC for an extension, hoping to alleviate the current difficulties caused by the limited capacity of the NIMC portal and ensure a smoother experience for all mobile users.
