In a bid to enhance national security, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a stern directive to telecom service providers, instructing them to block subscribers who have not linked their phone numbers to their National Identification Numbers (NIN) by February 28, 2024.
Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, emphasized the critical importance of telecom consumers linking their NIN to their SIM cards. The directive was delivered through Ruben Mouka, the Director of Public Affairs, during the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair on Wednesday.
Maida reiterated that the deadline of February 28th for telecom operators to restrict subscribers who fail to link their NIN to SIM cards remains in effect. The move is considered a measure of national security, aligning with efforts to regulate and secure the use of mobile phone services in the country.
“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,” stated Maida.
In addition to the security aspect, Maida shared that the telecommunications industry contributed 13.5% to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as of 2023. He emphasized the NCC’s commitment to protecting consumer rights while ensuring their satisfaction, providing an environment for affordable and equitable service, and supporting the country’s economic growth.
The NCC boss urged telecom firms to prioritize customer satisfaction and uphold high standards of service delivery. He highlighted the implementation of measures, such as the directives on Harmonised Short Codes (HSC) issued on May 17, 2023. This initiative enables consumers across all networks to use the same codes to access services, simplifying and unifying the user experience for the over 224 million active mobile telephone lines in Nigeria.
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