*The Nigerian Communications Commission says suspension of new SIM card registration is in line with the Federal Government’s desire to consolidate the achievement of the September 2019 exercise

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In the Federal Government’s desire to consolidate the achievement of the SIM Card registration exercise of September 2019, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecommunication companies (telcos) in the country to suspend sale, registration and activation of new Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards.

Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, in a statement Wednesday, December 9, 2020, said that the latest instruction was in line with the directive of Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, Honourable Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, to afford the Commission time to embark on another audit of the Subscriber Registration Database in Nigeria.

The Commission stated the measure is “in line with the Federal Government desire to consolidate the achievement of the SIM Card registration exercise of September 2019.

“However, where it is absolutely necessary, exemption may be granted in writing by the Commission following approval from the Federal Government.

The NCC, however, warned that “Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are to please note that non-compliance with this directive will be met with strict sanctions, including the possibility of withdrawal of operating licence.

The statement added “as the Minister has earlier directed in January, 2020, all citizens are urged to immediately secure Digital Identification from the National Identity Management Commission and submit it to the Network Operators.”