Step-by-Step Guide to Unblock Your MTN, Airtel, and Other SIM Cards Using Shortcodes

Nigerian telecommunication companies have issued detailed instructions for subscribers to unblock their SIM cards after recent disconnections due to the National Identification Number (NIN)-SIM harmonization exercise.

This initiative, which aims to enhance the integrity of the national SIM registration database, has resulted in temporary service disruptions for many users.

To assist affected customers, telecom companies provided the following step-by-step guidelines on Monday to restore connectivity:

1. Airtel: Dial *121# and enter your eleven-digit NIN. A confirmation message will indicate successful unblocking of your Airtel SIM card.
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 your 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.