NCC suspends new SIM sale, registration; begins Audit of Subscriber Registration Database

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has directed Mobile Network Operators to immediately suspend the sale and activation of new SIM cards to allow an audit of the Subscriber Registration Database.

The objective of the audit exercise is to ensure compliance with set quality standards and requirements by mobile network operators (MNOs).

The Director, Public Affairs of the NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, in a statement on Wednesday, said it was absolutely necessary for operators to comply until the audit exercise had been concluded

The NCC Said the audit is in line with the FG desire to consolidate the achievement of the sim card registration exercise and the directive of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy on the audit of the subscriber Registration Database.

The Commission noted that the directive became necessary against the background of the preponderance of pre-registered SIMs with the attendant insecurity associated with the use of the same to facilitate criminal activities.

“Mobile network operators are hereby directed to immediately suspend the sale and activation of new SIM cards until the audit exercise is concluded.

“However, when it is absolutely necessary, exemption may be granted following approval from FG through the Commission.

“MNOs are to please note that non compliance with this directive will be met with strict sanctions, including the possibility of withdrawal of operating license,” the Commission said.