Breaking: NCC orders suspension of new sim card registration

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has directed mobile network operators to suspend the registration of new sim cards. 

NCC made this announcement through a press statement on Wednesday. 

The statement said that it made this directive in line with the Federal Government desire to audit the subscriber registration database and ensure that mobile network operators comply with quality standards and requirements. 

It said that this is important in order to stop the prevalence of pre-registered sim cards used for criminal activities. 

The Commission then warned that non-compliance of the directive will be met with strict sanctions that includes the possible withdrawal of operating license. 

Here is the full statement: 

PRESS STATEMENT: SUSPENSION OF NEW SIM CARD REGISTRATION BY NETWORK OPERATORS

WRITTEN BY MEDIA TEAM PUBLISHED: 09 DECEMBER 2020

In line with the Federal Government desire to consolidate the achievement of the SIM Card registration exercise, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy has directed the Commission to embark on an audit of the Subscriber Registration Database.

The objective of the audit exercise is to ensure compliance to set quality standards and requirements by mobile network operators (MNOs).

The directive became necessary against the background of the preponderance of pre-registered SIMs with the attendant security implications associated with the use of same to facilitate criminal activities.

Accordingly, Mobile Network Operators are hereby directed to immediately suspend the sale and activation of new SIM Cards until the audit exercise is concluded.

However, when it is absolutely necessary, exemption may be granted following approval from the Federal Government through the Commission.

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.

Signed:

Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde

Director, Public Affairs

December 9, 2020