The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has deactivated the remaining 2.2 million improperly registered subscriber identification module (SIM) cards across the networks of all telecom operators.
The executive vice chairman of the commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta said in a statement by NCC spokesman, Dr Henry Nkemadu that action was part of the federal government’s resolve to sanitise the telecoms industry amidst rising insecurity situation in the country, fueled by people who use unregistered and improperly registered SIM cards to indulge in criminal activities.
Over the years, Danbatta said the NCC had worked with determination and through various policy initiatives, to rid mobile networks of improperly or invalidly-registered SIM cards to ensure that all the current over 184 million registered SIM cards/mobile lines across mobile networks have valid data that are traceable and not anonymous.
“By our records, all improperly-registered SIM cards across mobile network operators in Nigeria have been completely deactivated. The commission’s effort in this regard is in line with one of the key agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari to strengthen the security of lives and property for all Nigerians.”
“Our efforts received a boost, following the implementation of a September 12, 2019, ministerial directive that the NCC should compel service providers to block all improperly-registered SIM cards, pending when their owners regularise their registration.
“As at the time the ministerial order was issued, the commission, through its compliance monitoring and enforcement team had reduced the number of improperly-registered SIM cards on mobile networks in the country to 9.2 million.
“As part of the commission’s ongoing regulatory interventions such as the setting up of the SIM Registration Industry Task Force, which led to several resolutions including the industry working group (IWG) on harmonisation of SIM registration process with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to ensure a clean SIM database, the commission had, in June 2019, commenced the second round of comprehensive verification audit of MNOs’ SIM card registrations. This audit exercise was concluded in August 2019. The audit was specifically to ensure strict adherence by telecom operators to the provisions of the Telephone Subscribers Registration Regulations 2011.”
“We have since initiated the second phase of SIM deactivation based on the ministerial directive and as at today, we have completely deactivated the remaining 2.2 million lines on the networks. This is contrary to reports by a section of the media, suggesting that nothing has been done with respect to the issue of improperly-registered SIM cards,” said Danbatta.
He added that the commission was committed to the periodic SIM data audit, continuous compliance monitoring exercise on the MNOs, as well as constant consumer education and engagement against using improperly-registered SIM cards.
“With this, we would be able to collectively address national security concerns, especially kidnappings, banditry, armed robberies, cattle rustling and other crimes associated with SIM cards across the nation and to ensure that all SIM cards are traceable to their real owners,” he said.
