NIN-SIM linkage: How to unblock your MTN, Airtel, others using shortcode

• The development was greeted by outrage and commotion as exasperated subscribers, especially MTN users, besieged the offices of their service providers to unblock the SIM cards

Millions of Nigerians were aghast and livid over the weekend after they woke up to find out their phone lines have been blocked over failure to link their National Identification Number (NIN) to their SIM cards.

The development was greeted by outrage and commotion as exasperated subscribers, especially MTN users, besieged the offices of their service providers to unblock the SIM cards.

In many places, restive and feisty subscribers were seen, in viral videos, destroying properties of the telecommunication companies.

However, to douse the tension and calm frayed nerves, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecommunications operators to reactivate millions of mobile phone lines that were deactivated

In line with the NCC directive, the Nigerian telecommunication companies have provided clear guidelines to help subscribers unblock their SIM cards, following recent disconnections

This initiative, aimed at enhancing the integrity and security of the national SIM registration database, has left many users facing temporary service disruptions.

To assist affected customers, telecom companies outlined in a statement on Monday step-by-step to restore connectivity.

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 *200*8#.
3. Glo: Dial 109 followed by your NIN number (e.g., *109*12345678901#) and follow the prompts to submit your NIN.

4. MTN: Visit [nin.mtn.ng](http://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.

Alternatively, dial *996# and follow the instructions.

5. Smile: Send your NIN

to customercare@smile.com.ng or call 07020444444. After providing consent and verifying your NIN, your line will be unbarred.
6. Spectranet: Call 8002345678 or email care@spectranet.com.ng 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