ConsumerConnect | NCC warns telecoms consumers against linking their NINs to other subscribers’ SIM Cards

*As the October 31, 2021 deadline for National Identification Number─Subscriber Identity Module cards integration approaches, the Nigerian Communications Commission has cautioned telecoms consumers to ensure they do not allow their NINs to be linked to other subscribers’ SIM cards to avoid any liabilities or negative consequences arising therefrom

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

In view of the October 31, 2021 deadline for the National Identification Number (NIN)-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards integration in the West African country, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has strongly warned telecoms consumers to ensure they do not allow their NINs to be linked to other subscribers’ SIM cards, no matter how close such individuals are to them.

ConsumerConnect had reported that the telecoms Commission had handed down the warning during its third edition of the Telecom Consumer Town Hall on Radio (TCTHR) programme, broadcast live on Human Rights Radio, 101.1 FM, held Friday, October 15, 2021, in Abuja, FCT.

Cross-sections of participants at NCC’s 3rd Telecom Consumer Town Hall on Radio (TCTHR) programme, in Abuja, FCT

The event was hosted on the platform of ‘NCC Digital Signature on Radio’.

The NCC Digital Signature on Radio is the flagship radio programme of the Commission, created to educate the general public on the mandates of the telecoms regulator, and for sharing salient, consumer-centric and up-to-date information on how NCC is delivering on its mandates in the country.

As regards the need for individual subscribers to have separate SIMs with distinct identities, and the possibility of two subscribers having just a SIM card, Mr. Efosa Idehen, Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB) of NCC, while speaking on ‘the Benefits of NIN-SIM Integration’ at the 3rd TCTHR, had clarified that this scenario is “impossible”.

Idehen noted that the Federal Government’s regulation states that only a telecoms subscriber is entitled to own a specific SIM card, unless such a SIM card is probably ‘cloned’ (a near copy of SIM card).

The essence of the current NIN-SIM integration exercise is primarily to ascertain the “actual identity” of a subscriber who gets and uses a SIM card, for proper identification and traceability when there are issues thereof, said he.

Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, in a statement Monday, October 18, further lent credence to the significance of telecoms consumers’ not allowing their NINs to be linked to other subscribers’ SIM cards in Nigeria.

The statement noted during the radio programme Mr. Idehen, said: “On no account should a telecoms consumer, however circumstanced, allow another person to register a SIM with another person’s NIN.”

The NCC stated Idehen said compliance with this advice would protect the true owner of the NIN from any liabilities or negative consequences arising from the use of other person’s SIM card.

“If the person, whose SIM is linked to your line use his own SIM to commit crimes or any form of atrocities, it is easy to be traced to you and then, you will be dealt with because the SIM is linked to your NIN,” the Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau said.

R-L: Mr. Efosa Idehen, Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB) of NCC; Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Deputy Director of Projects Department; and Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, Assistant Director of Public Affairs (holding microphone), on the radio programme

During the phone-in segment of the radio programme, which lasted over two hours, consumers within Nigeria and in the Diaspora, especially from the United Kingdom (UK), Russia, and neighbouring countries like Ghana, among others, were able to call and get clarifications on concerns they had regarding the ongoing NIN-SIM integration in Nigeria.

The Commission also stated the discussions largely focused on educating consumers on NIN and its purpose, process of obtaining NIN, why consumers are being asked to submit their NIN to their Mobile Network Service Providers, the benefits of NIN-SIM linkage, relationship between NIN and Bank Verification Number (BVN) registration, the step-by-step approach to linking NIN to SIM, and the role and uses of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) *346# in the NIN-SIM integration activities.

The NCC said besides Mr. Idehen, Dr. Adinde, who was represented by Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, Assistant Director of Public Affairs; and Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Deputy Director of Projects Department of the Commission, were also on the live radio programme, and jointly educated consumers on the various aspects of NIN-SIM integration exercise in Nigeria.

Other panelists include Mistura Aruna, NCC’s Head of Consumer Information and Education; Mr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communication, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), as well as representatives of mobile operators, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9Mobile.

The regulator as well said during the radio programme, telecoms consumers were reminded repeatedly of the October 31 deadline for NIN-SIM integration.

The statement recalled the Federal Government had extended the deadline earlier given for the completion of the NIN-SIM linkage to October 31, 2021.

The radio programme, which was also livestreamed on some social media platforms, recorded broader participation than its forerunners due to a combination of the regular radio listenership with viewership on Human Rights Radio’s social media assets, it noted.

The Commission said that the 3rd TCTHR had achieved the NCC’s objective of using a mass medium to expand its reach to telecoms consumers to enhance their protection through information sharing, and education in order to improve the quality of consumer experience with telecoms services in the country.

Kindly share this story

NCC warns telecoms consumers against linking their NINs to other subscribers’ SIM Cards

Kindly Share This Story

ABOUT US

SECTIONS

SECTIONS

QUOTE

Connect With Us On:

CONTACTS: