Business
FG Deactivates 72m Telephone Lines … Enforces NIN/SIM Linkage
The Federal Government has ordered for the partial deactivation of all telephone lines which Subscriber Identification Modules (SIM) are not linked to National Identity Numbers (NIN).
This is part of measures to improve security in the country.
The deactivation order took effect Monday following President MuhammaduBuhari’s directive.
Consequently, all outgoing calls by defaulting subscribers have been barred, with about 72.7million lines being affected by the directive.
A joint statement by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Director of Public Affairs, DrIkechukwuAdinde, and National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Director of Corporate Communications, MrKayodeAdegoke, announced the decision.
Defaulters, however, have an open window to do so at designated NIMC centres nationwide.
Data made available by NCC in February showed that there are 303,636,267 connected GSM mobile lines in the country out of which 197,768,482 were active.
The statement explained that of 125 million SIMs submitted for immediate linkage with NIN, 78 million had so far been issued unique NINs. Unique NIN is simply the attachment of subscribers’ names to their SIMs.
In the past two years, the govt has shifted the period of the enforcement of the policy to ensure that subscribers were captured in the database of NIMC.
The statement reads: “On behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has commended Nigerians and legal residents for their support during the exercise to link the National Identification Number (NIN) to the Subscriber Identification Module (SIM).
“As of date, over 125 Million SIMs have had their NINs submitted for immediate linkage, verification and authentication. Similarly, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued over 78 Million unique NINs till date.
It would be recalled that President MuhammaduBuhari gave the directive for the implementation and commencement of the exercise in December 2020, as part of his administration’s security and social policies.
“The deadlines for the NIN-SIM linkage have been extended on multiple occasions to allow Nigerians to freely comply with the policy.
“The Federal Government also took into consideration the passionate appeals by several bodies- Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), civil society groups, professional bodies and a host of others – for the extension of the deadlines in the past.
“Accordingly, Mr. President graciously approved the many requests to extend deadlines for the NIN-SIM linkage. At this point, however, the government has determined that the NIN-SIM Policy implementation can proceed, as machinery has already been put in place to ensure compliance by citizens and legal residents.
“The implementation impacts on government’s strategic planning, particularly in the areas of security and socio-economic projections.
“President Buhari has approved the implementation of the policy with effect from the 4th of April, 2022. Consequently, the Federal Government has directed all Telcos to strictly enforce the policy on all SIMs issued (existing and new) in Nigeria.
“Outgoing calls will subsequently be barred for telephone lines that have not complied with the NIN-SIM linkage policy from the 4th of April, 2022.
“Subscribers of such lines are hereby advised to link their SIMs to their NINs before the Telcos can lift the restriction on their lines. Affected individuals are hereby advised to register for their NINs at designated centres and thereafter link the NINs to their SIMs through the channels provided by NIMC and the telcos, including the NIMC mobile App.”
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that the 2025 economic indices indicate a positive outlook, with the nation’s GDP expected to accelerate to 4.17 per cent for faster economic growth.
Mr Muhammad Abdullahi, Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate, CBN, revealed this on Tuesday during the 11th edition of the National Economic Outlook: Implications for Businesses in 2025.
The hybrid event, convened in Lagos, was organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Centre for Financial Studies in collaboration with B. Adedipe Associates Ltd.
Abdullahi said the nation’s 2025 economic projections remained optimistic with fiscal and monetary reforms already paying off, resulting in the GDP anticipated rise from 3.36 per cent recorded in 2024.
According to him, the growth is anchored on sustained implementation of government reforms, stable crude oil prices, and improvements in domestic oil production.
Abdullahi also stated that stability in the exchange rate would play a crucial role in maintaining the positive trajectory, with the inflation rate projected to decline due to the impact of economic reforms.
“Achieving the targeted inflation rate of 15 per cent in 2025 will require effective collaboration between monetary and fiscal authorities, alongside private sector participation for a stable economic environment,” he said.
The keynote speaker said that the apex bank would prioritise price stability and strengthen the financial sector to support SMEs and critical sectors for businesses to thrive.
Abdullahi noted that the nation’s evolving policy landscape presented both challenges and opportunities for businesses to thrive.
“The government is making deliberate strides to diversify its revenue streams and reduce dependence on the volatile oil sector.
“Through ongoing tax reforms aimed at broadening the tax base and improving collection efficiency, the government is working to establish a more sustainable fiscal environment.
“While these reforms may present challenges in the short term, they are essential for building a more resilient and diversified economy in the long run.
“As businesses, it is crucial to adapt to these changes, understanding that they will ultimately strengthen the economic foundation for future growth.
“As we move forward on this path of exploration and collaboration, we must remain focused on the vast opportunities before us.
“Nigeria’s abundant resources, coupled with the current administration’s commitment to economic reform, offer a fertile ground for innovation, investment, and sustainable growth,” Abdullahi said.
Similarly, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, President/Chairman of the Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), said 2024 presented both challenges and opportunities.
He noted that the GDP signalled gradual recovery amidst global and domestic pressures.
“As we move into 2025, we are presented with both the opportunity and responsibility to critically examine the economic landscape.
“This forum will help us identify the risks, harness the opportunities, and strategize for the future,” Olarenwaju noted.
He commended the collaboration of experts at the annual event, which included Dr Kabir Katata, Director, Research, Policy and International Relations, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation; and Dr Henrietta Onwuegbuzie of the Lagos Business School.
Others were Akinsola Akeredolu-Ale, CEO, Lagos Commodities and Fixtures Exchange; Mr Akeem Lawal, Managing Director Interswitch (Pure pay); and Chinwe Uzoho, Regional Managing Director, West and Central Africa Network International.
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