News
SIM-NIN linkage: Blocked lines rise to 40 million
No fewer than 40 million telephone lines were barred by telecommunication operators over the weekend following the expiration of the February 28, 2024 deadline issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission mandating telecom consumers to link the Subscriber Identity Module to their National Identity Numbers.
This represents a 28 million increase from the 12 million telephone lines initially planned to be deactivated by telcos, following the NCC directive.
In a December 2023 notice, the NCC had asked telcos to bar SIMs that had not been linked to their owners’ NINs by February 28, 2024.
On Thursday, the NCC Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, ruled out an extension of the deadline, warning that telcos that failed to enforce the deadline would be sanctioned.
The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, then disclosed that telcos would bar 12 million lines as a result of the directive.
However, on Sunday, the ALTON chair revealed that the number of barred lines had risen to 40 million, pointing out that SIMs without NIN were included in the number.
Adebayo said, “I can tell you that over 40 million lines have been blocked and the affected customers are those who didn’t submit their NIN at all. Some persons have not presented any NIN to operators. They haven’t registered their SIMs or participated in the harmonisation programme. They simply haven’t made any presentation of the NIN number to their operators and those were the persons blocked. So why is the number so alarming despite repeated warnings? It shows many people still communicate but are not registered,” told The PUNCH.
In the December 2023 notice, the NCC had also asked the Global Satellite Mobile Communications operators to bar SIMs holders whose NINs have been submitted but not verified by March 29, 2024; and interdict those who have less than five lines linked to an unverified NIN by April 15, 2024.
The Federal Government had, on December 16, 2020, introduced the SIM-NIN synchronisation initiative meant to enable security agencies to track criminals.
The synchronisation involves validating the NIN with the National Identity Management Commission and matching the subscriber’s NIN records with the SIM registration information (verification) to ensure proper subscriber identification.
However, Nigerians have raised questions on why security agencies have not used the SIM-NIN linkage to track criminals, especially bandits and kidnappers, who often use mobile telephone lines to speak with victims’ families during ransom negotiations.
Presently, there are 224.7 million active mobile telephone lines in the country, according to the information released by the NCC on its website.
On Sunday, the ALTON chairman did not give the breakdown of subscribers or SIMs that were deactivated by telcos over the weekend.
He said, “No, we currently don’t have the breakdown of disconnected lines per network right now but I know over 40 million lines have been deactivated.”
Adebayo further hinted that another series of disconnections would be implemented by the end of the month and mid April.
Adebayo said, “The second tier of disconnections that will happen are those who have provided NIN but have more than five Mobile Subscription Identification Numbers associated with their NIN, and these have not been verified. This is because some have differences in the order of their names, and some have differences in their date of birth. The information provided to the operator when they did the SIM registration is different from what they provided (to NIMC) when they did their NIN. Some subscribers also have some differences in other records that are very critical to their verification process.
“So these people who have more than five MSINs attached to their NIN and haven’t been verified will be disconnected effective March 30, 2024. So we may have more disconnections happening by the end of this month. If somebody has given a name that has not been verified and has been receiving text messages to verify and they haven’t done that, by March 30th, those people will be disconnected and the figures will further increase.”
He explained, “There are two sources of data-primary and secondary. During the first registration process, the customer’s information is on-boarded to a server when everyone did the SIM registration but the secondary record is for details given during NIN. Hence your primary record has to be uniform with the secondary data across the platforms before you can be verified.
“Furthermore, for those who have less than five MSINs, by April 15th, they will be disconnected if they don’t harmonise their records before then. So we are going to go through a series of disconnections or service suspensions over the next two months if people don’t follow the laid down regulations.”
Reacting, the President, National Association of Telecoms Subscribers, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, has said the body will seek redress in court on Thursday if the deadline is not extended.
Adeolu, who confirmed that the number of barred subscribers was above 12 million earlier indicated, asked the NCC to consider the plight of customers and grant a 31-day extension.
What is the Dollar to Naira Exchange rate at the black market also known as the parallel market (Aboki fx)?
See the black market Dollar to Naira exchange rate for yesterday 11th September, below. You can swap your dollar for Naira at these rates.
The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players buy a dollar for N1530 and sell at N1550 yesterday 11th September 2025, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC). …CLICK LINK TO CONTINUE READING
The likelihood of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan entering the presidential race in 2027 is becoming increasingly apparent, particularly given the recent developments surrounding his potential candidacy.
Reports suggest that Jonathan is discreetly meeting with key political figures across the country, which adds to the anticipation surrounding his possible return to politics. Click link to continue reading.
News
2025: Nigeria Missed Out As Ghana Other Meet Top 10 African Countries With Stable Power Supply Emerge
More questions have been raised over the incompetence of the power sector in the country as Nigeria as many African countries making significant strides in enhancing their power supply stability by investing in modern electricity transmission networks, advanced grid infrastructures, renewable energy sources, and natural gas.
Their diversification prevents disruption in their electricity distribution. Foreign collaboration and smart technology are also some of the positive factors that support these countries’ power sector. …click link for full list here
The Dollar to Naira exchange rate in the black market continues to highlight Nigeria’s forex supply challenges, with many individuals and businesses relying on the parallel market for transactions.
CBN maintains tighter controls and a lower rate at official windows, limited access and allocation restrictions force most importers, businesses, and students abroad to turn to the parallel market, where prices reflect actual demand and supply pressures. Click link to continue reading.
What is the Dollar to Naira Exchange rate at the black market also known as the parallel market (Aboki fx)?
See the black market Dollar to Naira exchange rate for yesterday 10th September, below. You can swap your dollar for Naira at these rates.
The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players buy a dollar for N1530 and sell at N1545 yesterday 10th September 2025, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC). …CLICK LINK TO CONTINUE READING
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate N1525
Selling Rate N1535
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Highest Rate N1510
Lowest Rate N1506
Please note that the rates you buy or sell forex may be different from what is captured in this article because prices vary.
Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, has sparked nationwide controversy after declaring that Nigeria belongs only to the Hausa and Yoruba ethnic groups.
In a viral video making the rounds on social media, Fayose dismissed the long-standing belief that Nigeria’s unity rests on a tripod of Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba.
He claimed that the Igbos have been marginalized and not counted among the country’s dominant groups.
He stated: “They said Nigeria belongs to Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, but that’s a lie… take out that Igbo, stop including them because it’s a lie.”
The remarks have triggered widespread backlash, with many Nigerians accusing him of promoting ethnic hatred and fueling disunity.
Others, however, agreed with his statement, describing it as “an honest truth” about Nigeria’s politics.
Netizens Reactions…
@olaoluwasunnyman reacted: “Honest truth.”
@chefnoka said: “History will never forget you, brother. I’m not Igbo, but I love the way you speak and stand for the truth. We need it to move this nation forward.”
@newbilliy commented: “I’m Yoruba but an Igbo President will make Nigeria great. I love Igbo people and their business mindset.”
@beautyjunctiongh wrote: “God bless you, my brother, for saying the truth.”
@benedictoguama asked: “Where is Jonathan from?”
@daveiyke_donnegro stated: “@isaacfayoseoriginal_ God bless you Sir for speaking the truth. I wish other Nigerians can shun tribalism and unite for the progress of Nigeria. Tribalism us a tool against Nigerians and the unity of Nigeria. Politicians have weaponized tribalism which enables them thrive in continued political and socioeconomic incompetence.”
@realtundr4 added: “I agree with what you said, sir, but look at it, does igbo really have d right candidate? Obi is just chameleon to me he’s not real, neither do they have the leadership experience as our current president @officialasiwajubat, the one and only politician that have ever created more millionaires and successful individual in the whole nation. Make we leave hatred, JAGABAN na baba.”
@wellingtonisgreat commented: “@wellingtonisgreat said: “Nigeria belongs to everybody not hausa, yoruba, igbo, Benin have not been president before let us go? You dey talk anyhow.”
@richeart4u said: “Those that have been president, were they given free or charge? Was there a law that stopped Igbo man from being a president? How do people become a president? Or do you mean Igbo have never been allowed to contest for presidency? Same things goes to women too, why are women not hugely represented in all positions even presidency? No one is stopping anyone from becoming anything, you just have to change your strategy and alignment. You can’t be doing same thing over the years and not get the desired result and still want to stick to that failed pattern to achieve a new result. Igbo people and their candidate must be encompassing. Hausa has been aligning more to Igbo people to get whatever position they wanted and why are they not returning the favour hugely? Align to anyone that can boost your change of winning and be well accommodating and understanding the power of choices and politicking. I might be wrong 0000. Na ma small knowledge I take respond oooo.”
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