The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has instructed Mobile Network Operators to suspend the sale and activation of new SIM cards with immediate effect. The move is to allow an audit of the Subscriber Registration Database.
This was disclosed by the Director, Public Affairs at NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, in a statement issued on behalf of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami on Wednesday and seen by Nairametrics.
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He said it was absolutely necessary for operators to comply until the audit exercise had been concluded.
According to him, Pantami directed the commission to embark on an audit of the Subscriber Registration Database. He, however, said an exemption might be granted following approval from the Federal Government through the commission.
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He warned that non-compliance with the directive would be met with strict sanctions, including the possibility of withdrawal of operating license.
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Why it matters
- The audit would help to consolidate the achievement of the SIM Card registration exercise.
- The audit exercise will also ensure compliance to set quality standards and requirements by mobile network operators.
- The directive became necessary in view of the preponderance of pre-registered SIMs with the attendant security implications associated with the use of same to facilitate criminal activities.
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Sounds like a DUMB directive.
Unless I misunderstood the report, does this mean (for example) that if visitors arrive in Nigeria, they would be unable to procure SIM cards until said “audit” is completed? If so, it is so DUMB and not surprising serious or sane people do not want to do anything with Nigeria.
Sounds like a DUMB directive.
Unless I misunderstood the report, does this mean (for example) that if visitors arrive in Nigeria, they would be unable to procure SIM cards until said “audit” is completed? If so, it is so DUMB and not surprising serious or sane people do not want to do anything with Nigeria.