Thursday, April 07, 2022 / 11: 55 AM / NGX/ Header Image Credit:

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (MTN Nigeria or the Company) notes the statement issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on 4 April 2022 regarding its decision that all operators will be required to implement restrictions on out-going calls for subscribers whose SIMs are not associated with National Identity Numbers (NINs). The Company subsequently received a formal directive from the NCC to implement a phased suspension of services to affected subscribers, placing them on ‘receive only’ status with effect from 4 April 2022.

In line with our operating licence requirements, we have complied with the directive and implemented the restrictions as communicated by the NCC. We support the work being done by the Federal Government of Nigeria to build a reliable and sustainable National Identity Management system, which is a critical enabler that will deliver multiple benefits to the Telecoms industry and Nigeria as a whole. IF will aid national economic planning and enhance security, governance and service delivery at all levels.

MTN Nigeria continues to urge all its subscribers who have not yet linked their NIN to their SIM registration, to do so immediately for the restriction to be lifted. This can be done in five quick and easy ways: 1) text your NIN to 785, 2) dial *785*NIN#, 3) go to my MTNNG App, 4) visit www.mtn.ng or 5) download the NIMC app.

The Company has deployed more than 4,200 points of enrolment across the country to support the NIN enrolment drive. We continue to expand this network to ensure that enrolment is within reach of all Nigerians. In addition, we continued to work with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to accelerate the bulk verification of NINs collected.

MTN Nigeria has made good progress with approximately 47 million subscribers having submitted their NINs by 31 March 2022. This represents approximately 67% of the Company's subscriber base and 76% of service revenue. Outgoing voice revenue from the current subscribers not linked to a NIN were approximately 9% of total service revenue for FY2021.

The Company also continues to engage with the NCC and NIMC — including through its industry bodies — as it has done since December 2020, when the initial directive to link NIN’s to SIMs was made.

MTN Nigeria and MTN Group intend to hold a call with investors on 8 April 2022 at 13.30 GMT to update them on this directive. The focus areas of the call are intended to include: details of the NCC directive and how the Company has implemented it; estimated timelines for completing the registration of subscribers currently suspended from making outgoing calls, and proforma potential impact on service revenue for FY 2022 given the directive. The call also intends to update on any further information emerging from engagements with the NCC and telecom industry bodies in Nigeria.

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