Unregistered SIM cards in Nigeria have been eliminated, NCC says, marking a boost for national and cyber security

Unregistered SIM cards in Nigeria have been completely eliminated from the country’s telecommunications network, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced.

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The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Aminu Maida, disclosed this on Monday at a media briefing in Abuja, describing the development as a significant step towards boosting both national and cyber security.

“No unregistered SIM is operating on the network as of today,” Maida said. However, he noted that some subscribers may still use false names during registration to mask their identities.

He warned that it remains a criminal offence in Nigeria to use fake identities to make or receive calls.

Beyond SIM registration, Maida highlighted measures being introduced to strengthen industry stability.

In September, NCC will launch a public coverage and tariff map to allow subscribers to identify which operators provide the best services in their areas.

The EVC also emphasized the need for fresh capital inflows into the telecom sector, stressing that the Commission had revised corporate governance guidelines to promote accountability, transparency, and investor confidence.

On the recent tariff adjustments, Maida explained that the move was necessary after more than a decade without a cost-reflective framework.

He assured that the NCC balanced the interests of both operators and subscribers before approving new rates.

He further revealed plans to engage with state governors to address persistent threats to telecom infrastructure and reduce the burden of multiple taxation, which he said hampers service delivery.

According to him, stronger protection of telecom facilities and fairer levies will ultimately improve service quality and enhance national security.

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The NCC reaffirmed that the elimination of unregistered SIM cards in Nigeria marks a turning point in safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s telecom system.