Nigerian telecommunication companies have provided clear guidelines to help subscribers unblock their SIM cards following recent disconnections due to the ongoing National Identification Number (NIN) – SIM harmonization exercise.

This initiative, aimed at enhancing the integrity of the national SIM registration database, has left many users facing temporary service disruptions. To assist affected customers, telecom companies outlined the steps to restore connectivity in a statement on Monday.

  1. Airtel: Dial *121# and enter your eleven-digit NIN. A confirmation message will indicate that your Airtel SIM card has been successfully unbarred.
  2. 9mobile (EMTS): Dial 2008# to follow the prompts for unbarring your SIM.
  3. Glo: Dial 109NIN# (e.g., 10912345678901#) and follow the prompts to submit your NIN.
  4. MTN: Visit nin.mtn.ng to check NIN status. If not linked, proceed to link it. An OTP and NIN will be required. Once linked, your line will be automatically unbarred.
  5. Smile: Send your NIN to [email protected] or call 07020444444. After providing consent and verifying your NIN, your line will be unbarred.
  6. Spectranet: Call 8002345678 or email [email protected] to submit your NIN. KYC verification at a Spectranet store is required. You can also submit your NIN online but must complete KYC at a Spectranet store.
  7. Ntel: Visit any Ntel store with your NIN. Your fingerprint will be used to verify your existing KYC profile. Upon verification and consent, your line will be updated and unbarred.

Following these steps will help ensure uninterrupted service and compliance with the NIN-SIM harmonization requirements.