Idris Abubakar
In line with the Federal Government desire to consolidate the achievement of the Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) Card registration exercise, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy has directed the Commission to embark on an audit of the Subscriber Registration Database.
A statement on 9 December, 2020, by the Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde said the objective of the audit exercise is to ensure compliance to set quality standards and requirements by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).
According to the statement, the directive became necessary against the background of the preponderance of pre-registered SIMs with the attendant security implications associated with the use of same to facilitate criminal activities.
Accordingly, 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 the Federal Government 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.
