The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has invigorated efforts to bring to an end, the sale and use of pre-registered SIM cards.
This, it plans to do by strengthening telecommunications regulations across Nigeria.
This process was made public last Tuesday during a public inquiry on three subsidiary legislations: the Licensing Regulations 2019, Enforcement Process Regulations 2019, and Internet Code of Practice 2019, which held at the NCC headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice-Chairman, NCC, represented by Mr. Rimini Makama, the Executive-Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, said the reforms are critical to addressing emerging challenges in a fast-evolving communications landscape.
“The updated Enforcement Process Regulations will provide a transparent and accountable framework for compliance monitoring, investigation, and sanctions,” he said, and described pre-registered SIM cards and call masking as threats to national security, which also cut operators revenue.
Dr. Maida emphasised the reforms in Licensing Regulations aimed at accommodating technological advancements, streamlining business processes, and promoting innovation.
“The revisions introduce provisions on general authorisations, license renewals, corporate restructuring, and sanctions to encourage innovation and improve ease of doing business,” he said.
Speaking on the Internet Code of Practice, the NCC boss explained that the updated guideline seeks to safeguard user rights, promote open internet access, and ensure service providers uphold ethical and technical standards, adding that the revisions cover cybersecurity, data protection, artificial intelligence, child online safety, and anti-spam measures.
Mrs. Chizua Whyte, Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at NCC, who was represented by Mr. Lawrence Abang, Head of Dispute and Litigation, noted that the review followed a six-month consultation process.
She said the amendments have brought to the fore, the Commission’s commitment to inclusive and transparent regulation, strengthen compliance mechanisms, and enhance investor confidence.
“The communications industry is undergoing significant transformation in this digital era,” Whyte said.
She also emphasised the need for regulatory frameworks to evolve alongside technology, for maximal utility and rerurns.
