The Nigerian Communications Commission has directed telecommunications operators to immediately restore all phone lines blocked due to non-linkage of National Identification Numbers to SIM cards.

This was made in a statement on Monday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka.

The statement partly read: “The consumer is our priority; therefore, considering the challenges the blockages have caused, the Commission has directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend in view of the short time available for consumers to undertake the verification of their NINs with their SIMs.

“Reactivated consumers are to note that this is for a limited period to allow them to properly link their NIN to their SIM.”

Thelagostimes gathered that over the weekend, millions of phone users were unable to verify their NINs with their SIMs, and this led to a blockage of their lines by their telecom service providers.