With many of them confirming the linkage of their SIM-NIN several months ago, scores of telecommunications subscribers in the country are expressing frustration over their inability to make calls by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) due to what one of them termed “the operators’ lack of concern for customers.
Some subscribers spoken with in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory by our correspondent lamented that the latest disconnection of their phone lines was uncalled for after they had linked their NINs with their SIMs in various centres of the telecommunication companies, majorly MTN, Globacom, and Airtel.
One of them, who simply identified himself as Alex, who works in one of the FCT agencies, said: “I cannot understand why these operators are discomfiting us when I have completed the SIM-NIM linkage process in their offices since last year. As I speak with you now, two of my lines have been disconnected. I have four friends that are experiencing the same problem now.
“So, I think the regulatory commission, that is the NCC, should call them to order as this hardship is too much and it will invariably negatively affect the economy as some business owners will be going through this hardship too” he added.
Another Lagos-based subscriber and marketer, Mrs. Collins confirmed to our correspondent during a phone chat that “I have done this linkage up to two times now. I went for the second one after I kept receiving text messages from my network operator that my NIN-SIM linkage had not been done. When I got to their office in Ikeja, I presented my details and the customer care official told me there was nothing wrong with my linkage and apologized for the inconvenience.
“Now, my phone line is malfunctioning and the message I continue to get from the operator again is that my NIN-SIM linkage was not completed. I am so disappointed in the operator now and I am thinking of buying a new line from another network operator. But then, my son, who is using another network, is also complaining bitterly about his challenges in making calls.
“My appeal is that government should call these operators to order”, the marketer pleaded.
It would be recalled that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had directed MNOs to bar subscribers without verified NINs effective from February 28, 2024. However, subscribers have been reporting disconnections of their phone lines over the past two weeks by the operators, even before the deadline.
