Nigerian Government Orders Suspension Of Sales And Registration Of New SIM Cards

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecommunications companies to order the suspension of sale and activation of new Subscriber Identification Module (SIM).

The Director, Public Affairs at NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, in a statement on Wednesday, said the decision absolutely necessary in order to allow an audit of the Subscriber Registration Database.

According to him, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, directed the commission to embark on an audit of the Subscriber Registration Database.

“In line with the Federal Government desire to consolidate the achievement of the SIM Card registration exercise of September, 2019, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to embark on another audit of the Subscriber Registration Database again.”

“The objective of the audit exercise is to verify and ensure compliance by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) 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.”

“Accordingly, 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. 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.

“As the Minister has earlier directed in January, 2020, all citizens are urged to immediately secure Digital Identification from the National Identity Management Commission and submit it to the Network Operators.”

KanyiDaily had reported how the Nigerian Customs Service arrested a Dubai bound passenger, lshaq Abubakar Abubakar, in possession of 2,886 Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards and four SIM cards, concealed in noodles.