The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecommunication companies in the nation to suspend sale, registration and activation of new Subscriber Identity Module (SIM card).
The directive applies to all mobile operators including MTN, Globacom, Airtel and Etisalat.
The directive was contained in a statement by NCC’s Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde.
Read the full statement below:
SUSPENSION OF NEW SIM CARD REGISTRATION BY NETWORK OPERATORS
In line with the Federal Government desire to consolidate the achievement of the SIM Card registration exercise of September, 2019, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to embark on another audit of the Subscriber Registration Database again.
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.
Accordingly, MNOs are hereby directed 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.
