The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has ordered the immediate suspension of sale, registration and activation of new SIM cards by telecommunication operators.
This was made known in a press statement by the Commission’s Director, Public Affairs, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, on Wednesday.
The commission stated that in line with the Federal Government desire to consolidate the achievement of the SIM Card registration exercise of September, 2019, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), has once again directed the commission to embark on another audit of the Subscriber Registration Database.
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.
The commission however noted that where it is absolutely necessary, exemption may be granted in writing by the Commission following approval from the Federal Government.
It also stated 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,” the statement said.
