NCC: Telcos may lose licences over new SIM card policy

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a stern warning to telecommunication companies, stating that failure to comply with the new SIM card registration policy could result in the revocation of their licenses. The NCC recently mandated mobile operators to block all SIM cards that are not linked to the National Identity Number (NIN) of their owners within a two-week deadline. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, shed light on the steps being taken by telecom operators to meet this regulatory demand. Adebayo explained that the telecom industry is in the process of integrating with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the agency responsible for capturing citizen and resident data. While approximately 173 million subscribers are registered in the SIM card database, only about 43 million individuals are registered with the NIMC. This disparity underscores the mammoth task ahead for telcos to ensure compliance with the government directive. The chairman acknowledged the challenge of achieving the set target within the two-week timeframe but expressed optimism in the collaboration between telecom operators and the NIMC. While efforts are being made to facilitate the registration process, Adebayo emphasized that subscribers without NIN may face service disconnection. Discussing the safety measures amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Adebayo highlighted that the responsibility lies with the NIMC to ensure compliance with health protocols. He mentioned that protocols are being established to carry out the integration in adherence to COVID-19 guidelines to minimize risks to citizens. Responding to the call for an extended deadline by lawmakers, Adebayo stressed that progress is underway, noting the possibility of capturing the 43 million NIN-registered Nigerians to kickstart the process. The chairman mentioned the development of applications that allow citizens to upload their NIN from their smartphones, thus reducing the need to visit registration centers. Regarding data integrity, Adebayo clarified that the process involves integrating existing data rather than remote data capture. He assured that steps are being taken to ensure the security and integrity of the information being exchanged between telecom networks and the NIMC. The focus is on completing the integration seamlessly without compromising data quality. In conclusion, the telecom industry in Nigeria is racing against time to align with the new SIM card registration policy. The collaborative efforts between telcos and the NIMC aim to streamline the registration process while upholding data integrity and protecting customer information. As the deadline approaches, stakeholders are working diligently to meet the regulatory requirements and avoid the risk of license revocation.