Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced it has successfully eliminated all unregistered SIM cards from the country’s telecommunications network in a move aimed at bolstering national and cyber security.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Aminu Maida, confirmed the development at a media briefing in Abuja, calling it a significant step toward improving network security. However, he acknowledged that the commission is unable to control the names with which subscribers register their lines, which can allow individuals to conceal their identities. Mr. Maida warned that using a fake name to make or receive calls remains an offence in Nigeria.
In a bid to ensure greater stability in the industry, the NCC will launch a public map in September showing the best network coverage and tariff plans for different areas. Mr. Maida stressed the need for new capital to be injected into the sector and said the commission has revised corporate governance guidelines to promote transparency and investor confidence.
On the recent tariff adjustments, he explained that the increases were necessary because the industry had operated without a cost-reflective framework for more than a decade. The NCC executive also promised to engage with state governors to address ongoing threats to telecoms infrastructure and the problem of multiple taxation.
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