Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by September 14, 2024.

The commission said with effective from September 15, 2024, the Commission expects that no SIM operating in Nigeria will be without a valid NIN.

Mr.Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs in NCC,disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

The agency urged all members of the public who have not yet completed their NIN-SIM linkage, or who have faced issues due to verification mismatches, to visit their service providers promptly to update their details before the deadline.

“Alternatively, the approved self-service portals are available for this purpose.

“The NCC also reminds the public that the sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offences punishable by imprisonment and fines. We encourage citizens to report any such activities to the Commission via our toll-free line (622) or through our social media platforms,” Muoka said.

The NCC also announced significant progress in the Federal Government’s 2020 policy to link all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) to National Identity Numbers (NINs).

He disclosed that till date, over 153 million SIMs have been successfully linked to a NIN, reflecting an impressive compliance rate of 96 per cent, a substantial increase from 69.7 per cent in January 2024.

The statement said: “As we approach the final phase of this critical process, the NCC seeks the continued cooperation of all Nigerians to achieve 100 per cent compliance.

“The complete linkage of all SIM cards to NINs is essential for enhancing the trust and security of our digital economy.

“By verifying all mobile users, this policy strengthens confidence in digital transactions, reduces the risk of fraud and cybercrime, and supports greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services.

“This, in turn, promotes financial inclusion and drives economic growth.Through collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the NCC has uncovered alarming cases where individuals possessed an unusually high number of SIM cards—some exceeding 100,000.

“The Commission also remains committed to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs, thereby safeguarding national security and ensuring the integrity of mobile numbers in Nigeria.

“The Commission thanks the general public for its continued cooperation as we work together to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited,(NIGCOMSAT) and MOMAS Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL), has announced partnership on effective communication infrastructure in order to boost national security.

Signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU),at Mowe in Ogun State,the Managing Director, NIGCOMSAT, Mrs Nkechi Egerton-Idehen commended MOMAS-EPAIL’s remarkable investment in Nigeria towards developing local content in power, defense and other sectors.

Egerton-Idehen commended MOMAS-EPAIL for being at the forefront of innovation toward improving national security.
Urging other indigenous companies to partner with NIGCOMSAT to move the country forward through effective server communication network.

She said: “Today is very historic because, it’s the signing of a partnership between NIGCOMSAT and MOMAS-EPAIL which is strategic.

” Most people that do not know that MOMAS-EPAIL is involved in manufacturing of defense materials for security.And NIGCOMSAT is the premier satellite communication company for Nigeria.So, there is value in collaborating in helping our defense sector.”

Egerton-Idehen said that MOMAS-EPAIL had shown that partnering with local companies could be possible.

Speaking,Mr Kola Balogun,the Chairman, MOMAS-EPAIL said that the partnership with NIGCOMSAT would build effective database and improve on data collection for national security.

Balogun said that the firm had developed a very strong knowledge -based information that would protect the security network.

He said that the company had grown remarkably in providing Armoured vehicles and some classical operational materials.

Balogun said that building synergy with NIGCOMSAT would enhanced group communication infrastructure and also enhance front line operations.

Balogun said the MoU would serve as a tools of exchanging informations in security, intelligence and communication with lots of classified information.

“All the vital information has to be embedded in the agreement such that information that are important to the security of Nigeria can be saved and domesticated.This will further enhance our services and effectiveness towards service delivery to defense sector,” he said.

EPAIL is a member of the MOMAS group of companies which was established with the goal of advancing local technology research and development in order to provide effective security solutions for safeguarding lives and properties.

The company has obtained the first manufacturing facility in Nigeria dedicated to producing bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets, and other defense-related equipment.

EPAIL’s collaboration with DICON further strengthens its commitment to fulfilling significant security requirements in the defense industry.

As an indigenous company, EPAIL hosts a dedicated research and development team focused on continuous innovation of security solutions.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC) has disclosed that voice, data services affected by undersea cable cuts have been restored.

Mr.Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs in NCC,who conveyed this in a statement on Monday,said services have now been restored to approximately 90% of their peak utilisation capacities.

He said:”Following the disruption on March 14, 2024, which affected data and voice services due to cuts in undersea fibre optics along the coasts of Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal, we are pleased to announce that services have now been restored to approximately 90% of their peak utilization capacities.

“All operators who were impacted by the cuts have taken recovery capacity from submarine cables which were not impacted by the cuts, and have thus recovered approximately 90% of their peak utilisation capacities.

“Mobile Network Operators have assured the Commission that data and voice services would operate optimally pending full repairs of the undersea cables as they have managed to activate alternative connectivities to bring back the situation to normalcy.

“We extend our appreciation to telecom consumers for their patience and understanding during the downtime caused by the undersea fibre cuts.”

Mohammed Shosanya

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing processes related to the National Identification Number (NIN)-SIM linkage.

The agencies conveyed this in statement on Sunday jointly issued by Ayodele Babalola, Technical Adviser, Media, and Communications to the Director General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The statement said in recent times, the NIN-SIM linkage exercise has become subject of national discourse, reflecting the critical importance of aligning SIM registrations with individuals’ unique national identification numbers.

The statement added that in view of the significance of this initiative in enhancing security and improving service delivery, both NIMC and NCC are committed to improving processes and enhancing efficiency.

It said:”Under this collaboration, NIMC and NCC will work closely to explore synergies and leverage each other’s expertise and resources in the following key areas:

“Streamlining the NIN-SIM Linkage Process: NIMC and NCC will collaborate to ensure a seamless experience for Nigerian telecommunication subscribers.

“This includes exploring innovative approaches to facilitate the swift verification and authentication of NINs during SIM registration and activation processes.

“Capacity Building and Public Awareness: Both agencies will collaborate on initiatives aimed at enhancing public awareness and understanding of the NIN-SIM linkage requirements.

“This includes educational campaigns, training sessions for stakeholders, and the dissemination of accurate information to the public to encourage compliance with the linkage directives.

“Data Verification and Validation: NIMC will continue to extend its support to NCC by providing assistance in verifying National Identification Numbers (NINs) associated with SIM registrations. Leveraging NIMC’s robust database and authentication infrastructure, telecommunication operators will validate submitted NINs while ensuring the accuracy and integrity of subscriber data.

“Policy Harmonisation and Regulatory Framework: NIMC and NCC will collaborate on aligning policies and regulatory frameworks to facilitate the seamless integration of NIN-SIM linkage processes within the telecommunications ecosystem.

“This includes harmonising data protection and privacy regulations to safeguard the confidentiality and security of subscriber information.”

The statement assured that both NIMC and NCC are committed to fostering a collaborative and transparent partnership that prioritises the interests of Nigerian citizens and promotes national development, adding that “by pooling our resources and expertise, we aim to overcome the challenges associated with the NIN-SIM linkage exercise and ensure its continued successful implementation.”

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that the interconnect debt dispute between MTN Nigeria Communications Plc. (MTN) and Globacom Limited (Globacom) has been amicably settled.

A statement on Thursday signed by Mr.Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs in NCC, explained that in accordance with this resolution, the disconnection approval granted to MTN for the disconnection of Globacom has now been withdrawn.

Muoka said: “Following its initial Public Notice, the Commission with the aim of mitigating any potential disruptions to subscribers undertook further regulatory intervention, by mediating between the parties and facilitating the reconciliation process.

“The Commission reiterates that strict adherence to the terms and conditions of licenses, particularly those delineated in interconnection agreements, is imperative for all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other licensees within the telecommunications industry.

“In order to proactively address and prevent future instances of interconnect indebtedness within the industry, the Commission will be requesting relevant records and regular updates from MNOs, as well as adopting a transparent approach towards industry indebtedness.

“This statement serves as a reminder of the Commission’s commitment to fostering a stable and compliant telecommunications ecosystem in Nigeria.”

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC),has appealed to States and Local Government Areas in Nigeria to reduce taxes imposed on telecom companies to enhance their growth as well as attract foreign investors into the country.

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC),who stated this at a media parley in Abuja,disclosed that already between 50 to 55 per cent taxes are imposed on telecoms operators.

He maintained that it would be difficult to attract foreign investments into the sector in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the Commission.

He said: “We are going to be going on an advocacy campaign to see how we can convince the states to remove some of these obstacles like Right of Way and multiple taxations because I have seen some studies which indicate taxation is almost 50% getting to 55% in some areas in this country.

“And you would agree with me that if we are trying to bring in foreign investment that is not a good picture to paint.”

He appealed to states to re-consider the long-term benefits that would come to them, if they allowed massive investments in the sector as job opportunities would be created alongside other value chains in the sector

He assured that the Commission would collaborate with stakeholders to tackle these challenges for the overall development of the telecommunications sector.

Unveiling his new strategies to reposition the telecoms industry, the NCC boss said consumer satisfaction would be at the core of his strategy, as he would put smiles on the faces of consumers.

Maida, who listed the strategies he would deploy to address various issues affecting the telecoms sector, said “my vision is to put smiles on the faces of telecoms consumers in Nigeria by improving the quality of services being offered them by service providers as well as increase investments in the sector.

“Consumers pay for their services and they expect high quality of service from the providers.Everything for me starts with the Consumers. The expectation of the consumers is very simple, which is, high quality of service.

“By this quality of service, we are talking about whole quality of experience for consumers.One of the mandates given to us by the honorable Minister of Communication which he also derived from the President and Commander -in- Chief is that we need to attract more foreign investments into the sector but there is no way we can do that if we are not satisfying the consumers because the consumers are the ones who pay for the services.

“This means the licensees can make their returns and investments, so we are going to be introducing some measures to help in this regard simply to improve the Ease of Doing Business.”

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Communications Commission has suspended its planned barring of Glo subscribers from calling MTN lines for 21 days.

A statement on Thursday signed by Mr.Reuben Mouka, Director, Public Affairs, NCC, said the Commission is pleased to announce that the parties have now reached agreement to resolve all outstanding issues between them.

“For this reason, and in exercise of its regulatory powers in that regard, the Commission has put the phased disconnection on hold for a period of 21 (twenty-one) days from today, 17 January, 2024.

“Whilst the Commission expects MTN and Glo to resolve all outstanding issues within the 21-day period, the Commission insists that interconnect debts must be settled by all operating companies as a necessary component towards compliance with regulatory obligations of all licensees.

“It is obligatory that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other licensees in the telecom industry keep to the terms and conditions of their licenses, especially as contained in their interconnection agreements.”

Recall that on January 8, 2024 the Nigerian Communications Commission published a Pre-Disconnection Notice informing subscribers of the approval granted to MTN Nigerian Communications Plc. (MTN) to commence the phased disconnection of Globacom Limited (Glo) with effect from January 18, 2024 due to long-standing interconnection debt dispute between the parties.