The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has insisted that telecom operators in Nigeria must abide by its directive that all telephone lines not linked to the owner’s National Identification Numbers (NIN) must be barred latest today, February 28, 2024.

While reiterating the directive at the NCC’s Special Day at the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair on Wednesday, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said as a matter of critical national security, subscribers must link their NIN to their SIM.

Maida, who was represented by Reuben Mouka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, added that the February 28th deadline given to operators to cut off subscribers who failed to link their NIN to SIM has not changed.

The NCC boss said, “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.

Maida also said that as regulator of the telecommunications sector, the NCC id working to ensure service availability, affordability, and sustainability for all categories of consumers, who are leveraging ICT/Telecoms to drive personal and business activities.

He added that the NCC is promoting economic growth through the development of local content and also addressing the challenges faced by consumers.

Maida added that NCC is committed to protecting the rights of the consumers while ensuring their satisfaction.

He therefore urged telecom firms to prioritize customer satisfaction and uphold the highest standards of service delivery.

The NCC boss also revealed that the commission has implemented measures to safeguard the interests of consumers and businesses alike.

He identified on of such measuree as the directive on May 17, 2023, that all licensed Mobile Network Operators must commence the implementation of approved Harmonised Short Codes for providing services to Nigerian telecom consumers.

“The new initiative is enabling consumers using the over 224 million active mobile telephone lines in Nigeria to use the same codes to access services across all networks,” Maida said.

Nikoli:
This is long over due