How to Retrieve Your Barred Mobile Phone Numbers | NIN-SIM Link Guide

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has recently highlighted a crucial update for over 40 million telephone line users across Nigeria. These lines have been barred due to their failure to link with the National Identity Numbers (NIN), posing a significant risk of being permanently forfeited soon.

Understanding the Implications

The NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, in a recent interview, shed light on the repercussions of failing to meet the February 28, 2024, deadline set by the commission. This mandate required telecom customers to link their Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) to their NIN. He warned, “If the barred lines are not acted upon in the next 180 days, they won’t be able to receive calls but will only be able to text and make calls. But after the stipulated days, they would be barred from making calls too and might forfeit their lines to their respective service provider within 365 days.”

Steps to Unbar Your Phone Lines

To navigate this predicament and ensure your mobile phone numbers remain active, follow the comprehensive procedure outlined below:

For Subscribers Yet to Register for Their NIN:

1. NIN Registration: Firstly, ensure your SIM is registered at accredited centres nationwide.
2. Linking Your NIN: Subsequently, link the NIN with your SIM through channels provided by your service provider.

For Subscribers With Registered NINs:

3. Direct Linking: Visit your service provider centre to present your NIN or link your SIM through your service provider’s provided channels.
4. NIN Retrieval: If you’ve registered your NIN but forgotten it, you can conveniently retrieve it by dialling *346# from the mobile phone used during NIN registration.
   • After dialling, select “NIN Retrieval” by typing in ‘1’. Note that this service incurs a N20 fee, deducted from your phone’s airtime balance.

Service Provider-Specific USSD Codes for NIN Linkage:

The four major Mobile Network Operators in Nigeria have set up specific USSD codes to facilitate the seamless linkage of your NIN to your SIM cards:

• MTN Customers: Dial *785# or *785*Your NIN# from the phone number you wish to link. Your number will be automatically linked to your NIN.
• Glo Customers: Text “UPDATENIN NIN FirstName LastName” to 109.
• Airtel Customers: Dial *121*1# to link.
• 9Mobile Customers: Dial  *200*8# and follow the on-screen prompts.

Conclusion

In light of the NCC’s stern warning, it is imperative for subscribers to act swiftly to avoid the risk of losing their mobile phone numbers. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure your telephone line remains active, safeguarding your connectivity and access to essential services. Remember, the clock is ticking, and taking action today can save you from potential inconvenience tomorrow.