By Dele Ogbodo
Following the disclosure of 9.2 million improperly SIM cards that are active in the hands of telecommunications subscribers,
the Minister of Communications, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has expressed concern over the security implication arising from baseline studies carried by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), which reveal such a humongous figure.
The Minister has therefore promptly directed that the telecommunications regulator (which is NCC), should with immediate effect, ensure that all improperly registered numbers are duly re-registered.
To ensure maximum compliance, Pantami, has directed NCC to ensure that all mobile network operators block all SIM cards that do not meet proper registration standards until users comply with proper re-registration procedures.
Mrs. Uwa Suleiman, the Spokesperson for the Minister, in a statement made available to SHARPEDGENews, on Thursday night, said in line with the directives of the minister on assumption of office to all agencies and Parastatals under the ministry.
NCC, she acknowledged has in compliance submitted its baseline short-term performance targets report to the ministry.
According to her, the commission in its report disclosed that an estimated 9, 200, 000 (9 million, two hundred thousand (9.2m) SIM cards did not comply with the proper procedures of SIM registration.
The report according to the Minister’s Spokesperson, was signed by the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the commission, Prof. Garba Umar Danbatta, contained precise figures of improperly registered SIM cards in use around the country.
The investigation, she said was carried out on the directive of the minister, has exposed for the first time in the telecommunications history of the country, in precise detail, the magnitude of defaulters.
The statement reiterated: “To ensure maximum compliance, Pantami, has directed NCC to ensure all mobile network operators block all SIM cards that do not meet proper registration standards until users comply with proper re-registration procedures.
“The security implication of this irregularity is too grave to ignore and the ministry will not tolerate any actions or in-actions that will compromise the nation’s security.”