New SIM Cards Registration Suspended by NCC to Complete Audit Exercise

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami has given directives to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to carry out another round of audit of the Subscriber Registration Database.

This is in line with directives from the Federal Government to support the September 2019 SIM Card registration exercise.

According to a statement disclosed by Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director of Public Affairs, NCC, the objective of the audit exercise is to verify and ensure compliance by Mobile Network Operators with the set quality standards and requirements of SIM Card Registration as directed by the office of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are henceforth directed to halt sale, registration and activation of new SIM Cards until the audit exercise is concluded, and Government has conveyed the new direction.

Nevertheless, in cases where it is necessary, there can be exemptions formally granted by the NCC with the Federal Government’s approval.

According to the statement, MNOs are to note that failure to comply with these directives comes with serious consequences up to revoking their licence to operate.

Earlier in January 2020, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy pleaded with Nigerians to secure Digital Identification from the National Identity Management Commission and submit it to the Network Operators.

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