Admin l Wednesday, December 09, 2020
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to suspend sales, activation and registration of new SIM Cards with immediate effect.
The NCC gave the order following a directive from the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami for the NCC to embark on another audit of Subscriber Registration Database.
In a statement explaining the development, Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde said the objective of the audit exercise is to verify and ensure compliance by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) with the set quality standards and requirements of SIM Card Registration as issued by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and the Commission.
He said MNOs are to immediately suspend the sale, registration and activation of new SIM Cards until the audit exercise is concluded, and Government has conveyed the new direction.
“However, where it is absolutely necessary, exemption may be granted in writing by the Commission following approval from the Federal Government.
“MNOs are to please note that non-compliance with this directive will be met with strict sanctions, including the possibility of withdrawal of operating license”, 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.
