By Editor
The National Communications Commission (NCC) has emphasized its instruction to telecommunications companies to deactivate phone lines that are not linked to National Identification Numbers (NIN) by February 28, 2024.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the commission, Dr. Aminu Maida made the remark at the NCC’s Special Day event at the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair.
Represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Mouka, Maida reiterated the importance of linking NIN to SIM cards for national security reasons.
He emphasized the deadline of February 28th for telecom operators to enforce the directive.
“As a regulatory body, the NCC has directed all telecom operators to deactivate phone lines of subscribers not linked to their NINs by February 28, 2024,” Maida stated.
He emphasized the alignment of the directive with the commission’s commitment to promoting local content development in the telecom industry.
Highlighting the NCC’s dedication to consumer rights and satisfaction, the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman mentioned initiatives like the Telecom Consumer Assistance, Resolution, and Enquiries (TELCARE) Desk at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, which provides a platform for addressing customer issues and facilitating the resolution of telecom complaints.
He emphasized the NCC’s role in creating an enabling environment for affordable and equitable telecom services, essential for driving personal and business activities and urged telecom companies to prioritize customer satisfaction and adhere to high service standards.
In addition to the NIN-SIM linkage directive, Maida mentioned the implementation of approved Harmonised Short Codes for services across all networks, simplifying access for consumers using Nigeria’s 224 million active mobile telephone lines.
Regarding the industry’s economic contribution, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC revealed that as of November 2023, the telecom sector accounted for 13.5% of Nigeria’s GDP, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
