Nigerian Communications Commission has directed Mobile Network Operators to immediately suspend the sale and activation of new SIM cards to allow an audit of Subscriber Registration Database.
This was disclosed in a press statement by the Commission’s Director, Public Affairs, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, on Wednesday, December 9.
According to the statement, 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.
Dr. Adinde further stated that;
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.
He, however, said an exemption might be granted following approval from the Federal Government through the commission.
Dr. Adinde warned that non-compliance with the directive would be met with strict sanctions, including the possibility of withdrawal of operating license.
The statement added;
However, where it is absolutely necessary, exemption may be granted in writing by the Commission following approval from the Federal Government.
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.
As the Minister has earlier directed in January, 2020, all citizens are urged to immediately secure Digital Identification from the National Identity Management Commission and submit it to the Network Operators.
