NCC Declares End to Unregistered SIMs in Nigeria

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that all unregistered SIM cards have now been eliminated from the country’s telecoms network. The agency says the move is a major step towards improving national security and strengthening cyber safety.

At a media briefing in Abuja, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Eng. Aminu Maida, explained that while the commission had successfully removed unregistered numbers, some subscribers were still using unusual names during registration. He noted that these names could not be altered by the regulator since they reflected the information users submitted to their network providers.

“No unregistered SIM is operating on the network as of today, but there may be people using names they did not register with, apparently to mask their identities,” Maida said. He reminded Nigerians that it remained a criminal offence to use fake details to make or receive calls.

New Tools for Transparency and Service

The NCC chief revealed that the commission would launch a new public map in September to show which operators offered the best services and tariff plans across different regions. According to him, the initiative would allow subscribers to make informed choices about the providers they patronise.

Maida also stressed the importance of new investment in the telecom sector, noting that external capital injection was essential for growth. He explained that the commission had updated its corporate governance guidelines to promote transparency and accountability, while boosting both investor confidence and consumer trust.

“The need for good corporate governance guidelines requires that operators in the industry must provide audited reports to boost investors’ confidence and earn the trust and confidence of their customers,” he said.

Protecting Infrastructure and Tackling Costs

On tariffs, the NCC boss explained that the recent adjustment in call and data charges was approved because the sector had gone a decade without a cost-reflective review. He emphasised that the commission was balancing the interests of both operators and subscribers.

Maida also raised concerns over the security of telecom infrastructure nationwide. He disclosed plans to meet with state governors to address vandalism, multiple taxation, and other threats that could weaken network performance. The goal, he added, was to protect critical facilities and improve services for millions of Nigerians.