By Onwe Wisdom
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given directive to telecom operators for the disconnection of telephone subscribers who failed to linked their National Identification Numbers (NIN) to their SIM cards by February 28, 2024.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the commission, Dr. Aminu Maida gives the directive when reiterating the important of NIN-SIM linkage to national security during the NCC’s Special Day at the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair, on Wednesday in Kaduna State.
Maina gave the directive through the commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka who represented him at the event.
He underscored that the deadline of February 28th remains sacrosanct, urging telecoms operators to comply with the directive.
“The National Communication Commission has directed all telecommunications operators to bar phone lines of subscribers whose lines are not linked to their NINs on or before February 28, 2024.
“In addition to ensuring service availability, affordability and sustainability for all consumers, the NCC aims to address consumer challenges while promoting economic growth through the development of local content,”he said.
Maida urged telecoms companies to prioritise customer satisfaction and maintain high standards of service delivery, emphasising the commission’s commitment to protecting consumer rights and satisfaction.
Highlighting recent measures implemented by the NCC, Maida referenced the directive issued on May 17, 2023 requiring all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to begin implementing approved Harmonized Short Codes for providing services to Nigerian telecoms consumers.
The commission have also established seamless programs that will Protect, Inform and Educate (PIE Mandate) telecom consumers through various consumer-centric initiatives such as:
Consumer Education Outreach Programmes: These programs include the Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP), Telecom Town Halls on Radio (TTR), Telecom Consumer Conservation (TCC), Professionals’ Dialogue, Market Square Conversation, Village Square Dialogue, Television (TV) Dialogue, and Trade Fairs such as this one today.
Consumer Complaints Management (CCM): The Commission created various channels of lodging complaints which include: NCC Toll-Free 622 Contact Centre which is available between 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily except on Sundays and Public holidays. Consumer Portal http://consumer.ncc.gov.ng E-mail: Consumers can send mail to (consumerportal@ncc.gov.ng) Consumer X account @Consumersncc Written complaints submitted to NCC Head Office here in Abuja or any of our Zonal Offices in Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Kano States.
Development of the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) 2442 Short Code: this was established in 2016 for telecom consumers to stop unsolicited text messages and nuisance calls. To activate the FULL DND service to stop all unsolicited messages & calls, Text “STOP” to 2442 and for PARTIAL DND service, Text “HELP” to 2442 to select the type of messages you want to receive.
Developmentof Mobile Number Portability (MNP): It ensures that telecom consumers can switch from one network to another without changing their original Phone Number.
The Commission partners with Law Enforcement agencies to protect Telecom Infrastructure: The Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with law enforcement agencies such as the Police and National Security and Civil Defence Corps to help protect telecom infrastructure from vandalization.
Campaign against Sales & Buying of Pre-registered SIM Cards: Telecom Consumers should be aware that buying pre-registered SIM cards is a criminal offense in Nigeria.
Direction on Roll-Over of Data: Service Providers have been directed to Roll-Over unused data at the expiration of a data plan provided it is renewed within the stipulated time frame as approved below:1. One (1) day data plan has one (1) day to renew. 2. Above one (1) day but less than thirty (30) days has a grace period of three days to renew. 3. Thirty (30) days has seven (7) days to renew.
Telecom Consumer Assistance, Resolution and Enquiries (TELCARE) Desk at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja: The TELCARE desk was set up to further provide additional platform to make enquiries on consumer issues; receive and facilitate the resolution of telecom consumer complaints. The TELCARE Desk is also for advocacy on any thematic telecom consumer issue or concerns and most importantly, an avenue for enhancing awareness of the Commission’s activities.
HarmonizedShort Codes: The Nigerian Communications Commission had on May 17, 2023, directed all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to commence implementation of approved Harmonized Short Codes (HSC) for providing services to Nigerian telecom consumers. The measure initiated by the Commission is a bid to improve the Quality of Experience (QoE) of consumers across all mobile networks. The new initiative is enabling consumers using the over 224 million active mobile telephone lines in Nigeria to use the same codes to access services across all networks. For instance, the same code *310# will be used for checking airtime balance across all the networks.
“This initiative aims to streamline access to services across all networks, benefiting the over 224 million active mobile telephone lines in Nigeria,” he added.