NCC Suspends new SIM Sale, Registration, Activation; To Conduct Audit

The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has ordered telecommunication companies (Mobile Network Operators; MNOs) in the nation to suspend the sale, registration, and activation of new SIM cards.

This according to a press statement by the Commission was a breath down of an order by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), that the NCC should embark on another audit of the Subscriber Registration Database.

The Minister had in January 2020 directed all citizens to secure Digital Identification from the National Identity Management Commission and submit it to the Network Operators.

The statement signed by NCC’s Director, Public Affairs, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, noted that the order by the minister was in line with the Federal Government desire to consolidate the achievement of the SIM Card registration exercise of September 2019.

INTERESTING READ: CBN Releases New License Categorisations For Nigerian Payment Systems

“The objective of the audit exercise is to verify and ensure compliance by Mobile Network Operators with the set quality standards and requirements of SIM Card Registration as issued by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and the Commission.

“However, where it is absolutely necessary, exemption may be granted in writing by the Commission following approval from the Federal Government.”

NCC, however, issued a threat on non-compliance stating such “will be met with strict sanctions, including the possibility of withdrawal of operating license.”

MORE CONTENTS:

Lanre News | Latest News in Nigeria | Africa | Around the World.

Freelance Writers and Employers, visit our sister site [www.lanrewriter.com] to connect.