Nigerian telecom companies have provided clear guidelines to help subscribers unblock their SIM cards following recent disconnections due to the ongoing NIN-SIM harmonization exercise.

This initiative which is 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 in a statement on Monday, the following step-by-step instructions 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 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 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.

The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has emphasized that these steps can be followed without the need to physically visit service provider offices.

The organization has also refuted claims that the line blockages were intended to hinder a planned nationwide protest, stating that the restrictions were solely due to subscribers not linking their NINs to their mobile numbers.