Millions of Barred Phone Numbers in Nigeria: How to link your NIN and Restore Service.
In this article Ejes Gist News highlights the processes on How to Retrieve Yours SIM cards, Retrieve barred SIM Nigeria, Reactivate barred phone number Nigeria, Unlink NIN from SIM card Nigeria and Steps to retrieve barred SIM Nigeria as explained by the NCC’s Director of Publicity.
It will interest you to noted that over 40 million Nigerian mobile phone numbers face permanent deactivation if their owners fail to link them with their National Identity Numbers (NIN) within days, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The NCC, the country’s telecoms regulator, had previously mandated all phone users to link their SIM cards with their NINs by February 28, 2024, as a security measure. However, millions failed to comply with the deadline, resulting in the barring of their lines from making outgoing calls.
While the barred lines can still receive calls and send text messages for the next six months, they will lose all functionality after 180 days if no action is taken. After a full year, these lines risk permanent forfeiture by their respective service providers.
However, there’s still a chance to retrieve your barred phone number. Here’s what you need to do:
If you haven’t registered for your NIN:
1. Visit an NIMC accredited center and register for your NIN.
For all subscribers:
2. Once you have your NIN, link it to your SIM card using one of the following methods:
Visit your service provider’s customer service center and present your NIN.
Use the USSD code provided by your network operator:
- MTN: *785# or 785Your NIN#
Glo: Send “UPDATENIN NIN FirstName LastName” to 109
Airtel: Dial 1211#
9Mobile: Dial 2008# and follow the prompts
If you forgot your NIN:
Dial *346# on your mobile phone.
Select “NIN Retrieval” (option 1) if you’re using the same phone number you registered your NIN with.
Follow the on-screen instructions and provide the required information.
Note that a N20 fee will be deducted from your airtime balance for this service.
By following these steps, you can regain full functionality of your barred phone number and avoid the risk of permanent deactivation. It is crucial to act promptly to ensure uninterrupted communication services.
Ejes Gist News recall that the Federal Government has previously praised the NIN-SIM linkage exercise as a critical step towards improving national security.
The NCC has urged all Nigerians to take advantage of the remaining window to link their NINs with their SIM cards to avoid any inconvenience.
