The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has restated its directive to telecom operators to disconnect phone subscribers who have not linked their National Identification Numbers (NINs) to their SIM cards by February 28, 2024, News About Nigeria reports.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, said this during the commission’s Special Day at the ongoing 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair.
Represented by Mr. Reuben Mouka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Maida maintained that the deadline for telecom operators to bar subscribers not linked to their NINs remained February 28, 2024.
“To this end, the National Communication Commission has directed all telecommunication operators to bar the phone lines of subscribers whose lines are not linked to their NINs on or before February 28, 2024,” he said.
Speaking on the role of the Telecom Consumer Assistance, Resolution, and Enquiries (TELCARE) Desk at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the Executive Vice Chairman said that this desk provides a platform for consumer inquiries and complaint resolution.
To address challenges faced by consumers, the NCC has implemented measures to protect their interests, including the directive for licenced mobile network operators to commence the implementation of approved Harmonised Short Codes.
This will enable consumers to use the same codes to access services across all networks.
Dr. Maida added that as of 2023, the telecom industry’s contribution to the nation’s GDP stood at 13.5%, according to the Nigerian Gross Domestic Product Report published in November 2023 by the National Bureau of Statistics.
He urged telecom firms to prioritise customer satisfaction, maintain high service delivery standards, and collaborate to create a more vibrant telecommunications industry that contributes significantly to economic recovery and growth.
