Telecommunication companies in the country have been directed by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to suspend sale, registration and activation of new Subscriber Identity Module (popularly known as SIM card).
Director of Public Affairs at NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde who announced the suspension said the action became necessary in line with the federal government desire to consolidate the achievement of the SIM Card registration excercise of September 2019.
The statement read;
“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 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, Mobile Network Operators 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.”
NCC also warned that;
“Mobile Network Operators (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.”