The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reemphasised its directive to telecom operators, instructing them to deactivate phone lines of subscribers not linked to their National Identification Numbers (NIN) by February 28, 2024. Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, conveyed this message during the NCC’s Special Day at the ongoing 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair on Wednesday.
Mr. Reuben Mouka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, represented Dr. Maida during the event. He underscored the critical national security importance of linking NINs to SIM cards and reiterated the February 28th deadline given to telecom operators for compliance.
“To this end, the National Communication Commission has directed all telecommunication operators to bar phone lines of subscribers whose lines are not linked to their NINs on or before February 28, 2024,” he stated.
Maida emphasized that this directive aligns with the principles and objectives of the commission, especially in promoting local content development in the telecom industry. He affirmed the NCC’s commitment to protecting consumers’ rights, ensuring their satisfaction, and providing an environment for affordable and equitable services that support the nation’s economic growth.
“As a regulator of the telecommunications sector in the country, the Commission carries out its functions to ensure service availability, affordability, and sustainability for all categories of consumers, who are leveraging on ICT/Telecoms to drive personal and business activities,” Maida explained.
He highlighted the Telecom Consumer Assistance, Resolution and Enquiries (TELCARE) Desk at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, designed to handle customer issues, receive and resolve telecom consumer complaints.
Maida urged telecom firms to prioritize customer satisfaction, maintaining the highest standards of service delivery. The NCC, he noted, has implemented measures to safeguard the interests of consumers and businesses alike. One such measure is the directive, effective May 17, 2023, for all licensed Mobile Network Operators to implement approved Harmonised Short Codes, allowing consumers to use the same codes across all networks.
He also shared that as of 2023, the telecoms industry contributed 13.5% to the nation’s GDP, according to the Nigerian Gross Domestic Product Report of November 2023, published by the National Bureau of Statistics.
Increased Compliance and Public Response:
In the wake of the NCC’s directive, there has been a noticeable surge in compliance efforts from telecom operators, who have been actively encouraging subscribers to link their National Identification Numbers to their SIM cards before the stipulated deadline. Mobile service providers such as MTN, Glo, and others have rolled out extensive awareness campaigns, utilizing SMS notifications, social media platforms, and customer service channels to educate users on the importance of adhering to the directive for national security reasons.
Public response to the directive has been varied, with some users expressing concern about the short timeframe provided for compliance. Critics argue that a more extended grace period and additional support services, such as dedicated assistance centers, would have been beneficial for subscribers facing challenges in the linking process. Nevertheless, proponents commend the NCC for prioritizing national security and emphasize the need for a comprehensive database linking individuals to their mobile numbers.
Impact on National Security:
The NCC’s move is rooted in the broader context of national security, aiming to enhance the traceability of mobile communications and curb criminal activities facilitated by unregistered SIM cards. The linkage of NINs to SIM cards creates a more robust framework for identifying individuals using telecommunication services, aiding law enforcement agencies in tracking and preventing illicit activities, including fraud, terrorism, and kidnapping.
The regulatory body cites instances where unregistered SIM cards have been exploited for criminal endeavors, emphasizing that this measure is a proactive step toward fortifying the nation’s security infrastructure. As the deadline approaches, security experts anticipate a significant reduction in the misuse of unregistered phone lines, contributing to a safer and more secure telecommunications landscape.
Global Trends in SIM Registration:
The NCC’s directive aligns with global trends where countries are increasingly implementing stringent measures to regulate SIM card registration. Many nations recognize the imperative role played by telecommunications in national security and are adopting measures to ensure a transparent and accountable communication ecosystem. Examining successful models from other regions could provide insights into best practices, as well as potential challenges that may arise during the transition.
For instance, countries like Kenya and South Africa have implemented similar SIM registration requirements, contributing to improved security outcomes. Understanding the experiences of these nations can offer valuable lessons for Nigeria in fine-tuning its approach and addressing concerns raised by stakeholders.
Ongoing Collaboration and Continuous Improvement:
The NCC remains open to collaboration with stakeholders, including telecom operators, government agencies, and the public, to address any challenges that may arise during the implementation of this directive. Regular consultations, feedback mechanisms, and continuous improvement initiatives will be crucial in refining the process and ensuring that the transition is as seamless as possible for all parties involved.