The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a stern warning to telecommunication companies regarding the necessity to block Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards that are not linked to National Identification Numbers (NINs).
Failure to comply with this directive will result in severe sanctions, as emphasized by Reuben Mouka, the Director of Public Affairs at NCC, during an interview with newsmen on Thursday.
Mouka clarified that telecom operators are obligated to adhere to the regulatory directive, and any defiance will be met with penalties.
He stressed, “It is not an issue whether the telcos have started complying or not. We have asked to link the SIM cards to NIN. We have given our directives, and we expect compliance. So, if there is any evidence of non-compliance, what follows would be sanction.”
Regarding the timeline for implementing sanctions, Mouka explained that it entails a regulatory process and cannot be specified precisely. However, he affirmed that any operator failing to comply will face consequences.
The NCC had previously instructed telcos to deactivate approximately 12 million lines not linked to owners’ NINs after the February 28, 2024, deadline.
Despite reaffirming its stance on the matter and ruling out an extension of the deadline, the telecom operators have expressed alignment with the regulator’s directive to disconnect unlinked SIMs.
Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, reiterated the operators’ commitment to comply with NCC’s directive.
He emphasized the need for adherence to regulatory directives, especially concerning SIM-NIN linkage, to maintain industry standards and enhance security measures.
The initiative to link phone numbers with NINs was initiated by the federal government through the NCC in December 2020 to bolster security measures in the country.
By streamlining the identification process and holding individuals accountable for specific phone lines, the directive aims to combat crime, including kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.
Addressing the challenges posed by pre-registered or illegally registered SIM cards, Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, emphasized the importance of data-driven decisions to improve industry standards and consumer satisfaction.
He underscored the need to hold licensees accountable for service delivery while protecting consumer interests.
