BREAKING: FG DIRECTS NETWORK OPERATORS TO SUSPENDS NEW SIM CARD REGISTRATION IN NIGERIA

Federal Government of Nigeria, on Wednesday, 9th December 2020, directed all network operators in Nigeria to suspended the exercise of new SIM card registration in cross the country.

In a press statement issued by the spoke person, Director, Public Affairs of the Nigeria Communication Commission, (NCC), Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, stated that the Federal Government’s desire to consolidate the achievement of the SIM Card registration exercise of September, 2019, and has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to embark on another audit of the Subscriber Registration Database again.

However, as the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), 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.

“In line with the Federal Government’s desire to consolidate the achievement of the SIM Card registration exercise of September, 2019, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), 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 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, Mobile Network Operators (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.”

“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.”