NCC orders MTN, GLO others to block unlinked sim

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its directive to telecommunication operators, instructing them to block telephone subscribers who have not linked their sim to their National Identification Numbers (NIN) from accessing services. The deadline for compliance is set for February 28, 2024.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the National Communication Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, gave a speech on Wednesday at the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair as part of the NCC’s Special Day.

Maida insisted that telecom users link their NIN to their SIM as a matter of crucial national security, while being represented by Reuben Mouka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC.

He reiterated that telecom carriers still have until February 28th to block subscribers who haven’t linked their NIN to their SIM.

“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 added.

The executive vice chairman stated that this was appropriate since the topic aligned with the commission’s values and goals of encouraging the development of local content in the telecom sector.

In addition, Maida stated that the NCC was dedicated to safeguarding the rights of customers while guaranteeing their satisfaction. She also mentioned that the commission has established a setting that is widely accepted for obtaining “fair and reasonable service and promotes the country’s economic development.”

“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 ICT/Telecoms to drive personal and business activities,” he said.

He said, for example, that the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja’s Telecom Consumer Assistance, Resolution, and Enquiries (TELCARE) Desk The TELCARE desk was established to offer a supplementary avenue for customer inquiries and to receive and expedite the resolution of grievances from telecom users.

“By working together, we can create a more vibrant telecommunications industry that significantly contributes to the economic recovery and growth,” the speaker said.

He stated that as of 2023, the telecom sector contributed 13.5% of the country’s GDP (Source: Nigerian Gross Domestic Product Report, November 2023, a National Bureau of Statistics publication).

“Conversely, as we promote economic growth through the development of local content, we must also address the challenges faced by consumers and NCC is committed to protecting their rights while ensuring their satisfaction.

Because the NCC has taken steps to protect the interests of both businesses and consumers, the commissioner urged telecom companies to put customer pleasure first and maintain the highest standards of service delivery.

He listed the NCC’s May 17, 2023, mandate as one of these measures, which required all licensed mobile network operators to start using authorized Harmonised Short Codes to offer services to Nigerian telecom customers.

“The new initiative is enabling consumers using the over 224 million active mobile telephone lines in Nigeria to use the same codes to access services across all networks,” he added.

According to the Nigerian Gross Domestic Product Report November 2023, a publication of the National Bureau of Statistics, the telecom sector contributed 13.5% of the country’s GDP as of 2023, the NCC head revealed.