The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has directed Mobile Network Operators to suspend the sale, registration and activation of new SIM cards.
This directive was issued in a statement signed by Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director, Public Affairs of NCC on Wednesday.
The statement reads, “In line with the Federal Government desire to consolidate the achievement of the SIM Card registration exercise of September, 2019, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to embark on another audit of the Subscriber Registration Database again.
“The objective of the audit exercise is to verify and ensure compliance by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) with the set quality standards and requirements of SIM Card Registration as issued by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and the Commission.
“Accordingly, MNOs are hereby directed to immediately suspend the sale, registration and activation of new SIM Cards until the audit exercise is concluded, and Government has conveyed the new direction.
“However, where it is absolutely necessary, exemption may be granted in writing by the Commission following approval from the Federal Government.