Cybersecurity: NCC intensifies crackdown on pre-registered SIM Cards for consumer protection

*The Nigerian Communications Commission intensifies crackdown on sale and use of pre-registered SIM Cards, as part of reforms to strengthen regulatory compliance, licensing, and Internet governance in the West African country’s telecoms space

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is intensifying crackdown on the sale and use of pre-registered Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Cards.

ConsumerConnect reports the NCC affirmed the ongoing effort is in accordance with current reforms designed to strengthen regulatory compliance, licensing, and Internet governance in the West African country’s telecoms space.

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, confirmed this development while speaking at the Public Inquiry on three subsidiary legislations—the Licensing Regulations 2019, Enforcement Process Regulations 2019, and Internet Code of Practice 2019, held Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in Abuja, FCT.

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Maida said the review of the telecoms regulatory instruments was critical to addressing emerging challenges in the fast-evolving communications landscape both in Nigeria and globally.

The EVC/CEO of the telecoms sector regulatory agency, represented at the forum by Barr. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management (ECSM) at NCC, also explained that the Enforcement Process Regulations have been updated to provide a transparent and accountable framework for compliance monitoring, investigation, and sanctions.

Core objectives of revised regulatory instruments, by Maida

The Executive Vice-Chairman of the Commission emphasised that the revised communications frameworks would help to address persistent regulatory breaches, particularly the sale of pre-registered SIM Cards.

He equally noted that the reviewed regulatory instruments would help to tackle the practice of call masking and refiling, which Maida described as threats to national security and revenue of the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).

According to him, the revised regulatory measures would also assist the system to reinforce public trust in the Commission’s oversight role.

He further stated: “These amendments have become imperative to ensure that nagging regulatory breaches, such as the prevalence of pre-registered SIM Cards and call masking are addressed promptly, fairly, and efficiently.”

Besides, Maida explained the Licensing Regulations are being reviewed and refined to accommodate new technological advancements and streamline business processes in the telecoms industry.

The revisions, he noted, have introduced provisions on general authorisations, licence renewals, corporate restructuring, and sanctions to encourage innovation and improve Ease of Doing Business (EoDB).

The current changes, Maida stated, will position MNOs to compete effectively and attract more investment into the Nigerian telecoms market.

As regards the third regulation — the Internet Code of Practice — the Chief Executive of NCC said the document, now being converted into a a guideline, aims to safeguard consumer rights, promote open Internet access, and ensure service providers uphold high ethical and technical standards of operations in the industry.

Aside from these, the updated Code introduces new provisions covering cybersecurity, data protection, Artificial Intelligence (AI), child online safety, and anti-spam measures, said he.

Maida restated as the Internet becomes a dominant platform for communication and commerce in modern economies, there is a need for stronger guardrails to protect digital consumers, especially children and other vulnerable groups, from harmful online content.

Speaking at the event also,

Mrs. Chizua Whyte, Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at NCC, said the review followed a six-month consultation process and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to inclusive and transparent regulation.

Mrs. Whyte, represented by Lawrence Abang, Head of Dispute and Litigation of the Commission, explained that compliance with NCC’s rules is central to its mandate.

She also noted that the proposed amendments would strengthen the mechanisms for ensuring adherence, and applying appropriate sanctions where necessary.

The regulatory updates will provide a more comprehensive framework to secure both the telecoms operators and consumers in the expanding digital ecosystem in Nigeria.

Whyte further noted that the revised licensing framework would enhance investor confidence and open the market to new entrants.

It allows Nigeria’s communications sector to forge into the digital future with reduced restrictions and improved global competitiveness.

Insight into Internet Code

Expatiating on the Internet Code, one of the revised regulatory instruments, Whyte said the regulation sought to ensure that all access providers take responsibility for curbing exposure to crimes, such as identity theft, misinformation, hate speech, and other social harms associated with unregulated online activity.

As the world becomes increasingly digital, regulatory frameworks must evolve at the same pace to remain effective, she asserted.

The NCC Head of Legal and Regulatory Services added: “The communications industry is undergoing significant transformation in this digital era.”

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