NCC Orders Suspension Of Sale / Registration Of New SIM Cards

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed all telecommunications companies to suspend the registration of new landlines across the federation.

The NCC made the announcement in a statement by its director of publicity, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, released on Wednesday.

The statement said the commission issued the directive in line with the federal government’s policy of reviewing the registry of registrants and ensuring that companies comply with the rules and regulations.

It said it was necessary to suspend unregistered phone lines for non-essential activities.

The Statement reads: “In accordance with the federal government directive to consolidate the achievement of the SIM card registration exercise and verify compliance, the commission is embarking on an audit of the subscriber registration database to ensure compliance to set quality standards and requirements,”

“Accordingly, you are hereby directed to suspend the sale and activation of new SIM cards on your network until the audit exercise is completed.

“However, when it is absolutely necessary, an exemption may be granted following approval from the federal government through the Nigerian Communications Commission.

“Please note that failure to comply with this directive will be met with strict sanctions, including the possibility of withdrawal of operating license.”