Alleged Network Shutdowns: NCC urges consumers to ignore misleading messages, assures of ‘optimal service delivery’

*The Nigerian Communications Commission assures telecoms consumers of continued excellent service delivery before, during, and after the 2023 General Elections in the West African country

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says the telecoms sector regulatory Commission’s attention has been drawn to fraudulent and misleading information circulating in some social media platforms.

The NCC stated the misleading messages were insinuating there is a planned shutdown of all telecoms networks and relevant Information and Communications Technology (ICT) units, including online transfer facilities of the commercial banks, effective from Thursday, February 23, 2023.

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ConsumerConnect reports Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs (DPA) at NCC, Thursday, February 23, in a statement, however, noted the Nigerian public, consumers of telecommunications services, and all bank customers are advised to ignore these or similar misleading messages that insinuate deliberate network shutdown or disruption of services on the Nigerian telecoms networks.

The Commission said: “These malicious and subversive messages originated and are being circulated by fraudsters and unscrupulous elements in the society with the intent to cause chaos and panic among the populace.

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“The Commission has received unequivocal assurances from all the service providers to the effect that all the network services are currently in optimal performance, and will not witness any deliberate shutdown or disruptions, especially at this very crucial period of general elections in the country.”

The NCC also assured all users of telecommunications and banking services using these network facilities of uninterrupted services.

The NCC added that consumers utilising the country’s network facilities “are assured of continued optimal service delivery before, during, and after the General Elections in Nigeria.”