NIN-SIM Integration: NCC hosts Telecoms Consumer Town Hall on Radio October 15

*The Nigerian Communications Commission urges telecoms consumers to integrate their National Identification Numbers with the Subscriber Identity Module cards, as the exercise will significantly enhance national security, improve service delivery, and enhance citizens’ access to government services

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

In continuation of the telecoms sector regulator’s efforts at sensitising more Nigerians on the ultimate importance of integrating their National Identification Numbers (NINs) with the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Cards, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that it will host the third edition of the Telecoms Consumer Town Hall on Radio (TCTHR) Friday, October 15 at 7.30 a.m.

The Commission in the announcement via its corporate Web site Thursday, October 14, 2021, stated that the programme would be aired on the Human Rights Radio, 101.1 FM, broadcasting from Abuja, FCT.

The NCC noted the focus of the discussion during the programme is, ‘The Benefits of NIN-SIM Integration’.

RELATED: NCC Sensitises Telecoms Consumers On NIN-SIM Integration Before Oct 31 Deadline

ConsumerConnect had reported the Commission earlier had informed the Nigerian telecoms consumers, that the new deadline for the integration of their NIN-SIM is slated for Sunday, October 31, 2021.

The Commission also reminded and urged telecoms consumers to link their NINs with their SIMs cards before the expiration of the deadline of October 31 set by the Federal Government.

The regulator gave the admonition during the NCC Digital Signature (NDS) Radio programme, which hosted the 2nd episode of Telecoms Consumer Town Hall on Radio (TCTHR) live on a radio station recently in Lagos, to discuss benefits of NIN-SIM integration.

RELATED: Nigeria Extends NIN-SIM Verification Deadline To October 31

Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, while speaking on the programme advised Nigerians to make use of the extension of the NIN-SIM integration exercise to October 31, to enrol with NIMC, get their NIN and link it to their SIMs.

“Soon, people without NIN will be denied of necessary services that play vital roles in their lives including acquisition of driver’s license, international passport,” Dr. Adinde stated.

In respect of the benefits of the NIN-SIM integration, he noted that the exercise would significantly enhance national security as NIN is the primary identity for Nigerians, stressing that in line with Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria deploys technology to improve service delivery, the NIN-SIM database will enhance citizens’ access to government services.

In the studio during the TCTHR programme were representatives of the NCC, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and officials of telecoms operators.

The live, phone-in programme provided opportunity for listeners to call and get clarifications on concerns and issues around NIN-SIM integration exercise.

READ ALSO: No Going Back On NIN-SIM Integration As Criminals ‘Feel The Heat’ ─Minister

The NCC, therefore, urged consumers to participate in and enjoy the third edition of the TCTHR Friday, as it informs them to “tune in to listen and participate in the discussion.

“To watch the live stream version, please connect to https://www.facebook.com/humanrightsradio101.1/ or https://youtube.com/c/HRRadioTV,”

The TCTHR is the modified version of the Consumer Town Hall Meeting, a consumer outreach programme of the Consumer Affairs Bureau of NCC.

As in the mould of its forerunner, the TCTHR is regarded is described as “a train that will traverse Nigeria in keeping with Management’s commitment to reaching and engaging every telecoms consumer wherever they are.”

Two editions of the TCTHR had taken place earlier in Kano and Lagos, said the Commission.