As the deadline given to telecom operators by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC to bar subscribers not linked to their National Identification Numbers, NIN expires on Tuesday, February 28, the Commission has insisted that the directive stays.
The stand of the Commission was made known by the Executive Vice Chairman, National Communication Commission, Dr Aminu Maida who spoke at the Commission’s Special Day at the ongoing 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair yesterday.
Represented by the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr Reuben Mouka, he insisted that as a matter of critical national security, telecom consumers must link their NIN to their SIM card.
“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.
This, the executive vice chairman said, was apt as the theme resonated with the principles and objectives of the commission in promoting local content development in the telecom industry.
Maida also said the NCC was committed to protecting consumers’ rights while ensuring their satisfaction and noting that the commission has created a universally acceptable environment to access “affordable and equitable service and supports the nation’s economic growth.”
“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 on ICT/Telecoms to drive personal and business activities,” he said.
For instance, he continued that the Telecom Consumer Assistance, Resolution and Enquiries (TELCARE) Desk at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Internatonal Airport Abuja The TELCARE desk was set up to further provide an additional platform to make enquiries on customer issues, receive and facilitate the resolution of telecom consumer complaints.
He explained that by “working together, we can create a more vibrant telecommunications industry that contributes significantly to the economic recovery and growth.”
