Nigeria’s NCC Orders Immediate Suspension of New SIM Card Sale, Registration

Report just coming in has it that Nigeria’s telecommunications regulatory body, the NCC has directed all Mobile Network Operators to immediately suspend the sale forthwith and activation of new Subscriber Identification Modules (SIM cards).

This is to enable an audit of the Subscriber Registration Database.

The above directive was contained in a statement which was issued on Wednesday by the commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde.

According to him, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami has directed the commission to embark on an audit of the Subscriber Registration Database.

He added that an exemption might be granted however depending on approval from the Federal Government through the commission.

He however warned that non-compliance with this directive will be met with strict sanctions which includes the possibility of the withdrawal of operating license of any Mobile Network Operator found wanting.