Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to suspend the registration of sim cards.
This development came up in line with the Federal Government directive through the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim, instructing the NCC to audit its telecommunications Subscriber Registration Database.
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This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs of the Commission, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, on Wednesday, December 9th, 2020.
The audit exercise is set up to ensure that all sim cards are appropriately registered to meet the quality standards and requirements of SIM Card Registration as issued by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and NCC.
“Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are hereby directed to immediately suspend the sale, registration and activation of new SIM Cards until the audit exercise is concluded, and Government has conveyed the new direction,” the statement reads in part.
The commission warns that non-compliance with this directive will attract strict sanctions which could include the withdrawal of the operating license of the MNO. Although, exemption may be granted in writing by the Commission following an approval from the Federal Government.
“However, where it is absolutely necessary, exemption may be granted in writing by the Commission following approval from the Federal Government.
MNOs are to please note that non-compliance with this directive will be met with strict sanctions, including the possibility of withdrawal of operating license.”
The commission further reiterates that all citizens secure Digital Identification from the National Identity Management Commission and submit to the Network Operators.
