The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to order the suspension and activation of new SIM cards.
He said it was to allow an audit of the subscriber registration database.
Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director of Public Affairs, NCC, said in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, that this was in line with the Federal Government’s desire to consolidate the September 2019 SIM card registration achievement.
Adinde explained that the objective of the audit was to verify and guarantee compliance by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) with the established quality standards and requirements issued by the ministry and the commission.
“Consequently, mobile network operators are ordered to immediately suspend the sale, registration and activation of new SIM cards until the audit is complete and the government has transmitted the new address.
“When absolutely necessary, the commission may grant a written waiver, subject to government approval.
“Mobile network operators should be aware that failure to comply with this directive will face strict penalties, including the possibility of withdrawing the operating license,” he said.
He urged all citizens to immediately obtain digital identification from the National Identity Management Commission and present it to Network Operators, as indicated by the minister earlier in January. (YAYA)
