NIN-SIM Data Linkage Will Boost National Security, Says NCC

Posted by Ignatius Okpara African News, Business News, IT & Telecoms, Latest Headlines, News, Technology Tuesday, April 13th, 2021

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), has enjoined mobile phone network subscribers in the country to embrace the ongoing National Identity Number NIN sim data linkage exercise, saying it will improve national security.

Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, (EVC) Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, who stated this while addressing consumers at the NCC special day at 32nd Enugu international Trade Fair, in Enugu emphasised the importance of the ongoing (NIN) exercise, saying “it will ensure credible citizen database for improved national security.

He stressed the need for consumers to be cyber security-conscious while online and to always ensure efficient management of e-waste for a safer environment, noting that this year’s World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD), which was observed on March 15, 2021 focused on ‘Tackling Plastic Pollution’ in line with the e-Waste Regulation being pursued by the Commission.

Danbatta hailed efforts of management of Enugu Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture, ECCIMA at sustaining the Fair over the years, pointing out that the Enugu International Trade Fair remains the largest and most important business event South-East of the country.

“The Fair is pivotal to bolstering the economic and industrial transformation of the region in view of its enormous business potential.

Our Correspondent reports that During an interactive executive session with the ECCIMA executives at the Commission’s pavilion, the Director, Public Affairs, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, and the Director, Consumer Affairs, Mr. Efosa Idehen, had fielded questions ranging from consumer complaints management, the recent USSD policy, NIN-SIM linkage exercise and other industry related issues.

The event also attracted many multinational, international and national exhibitors who took advantage of the Fair to reach out to their customers in the South-East and South-South zones of the country.

He noted that NCC has, over the years, been a regular participant at international trade fairs across the country and has been consistent in its participation at the Enugu International Trade Fair.

The Commission had in line with its tradition of exploring avenues to engage with telecom consumers, enlightened Telecom consumers during the event.

Addressing a large audience of telecom consumers during ceremony, the NCC boss, said events of this nature provide the opportunity for NCC, as a telecom regulator, to interact with consumers and attend to their service-related concerns.

Represented by the Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Danbatta who spoke around the theme of the Fair: “Promoting New Technologies, Business Ideas and Strategies for Rapid Economic Growth and Development in Nigeria,” highlighted some of the regulatory initiatives emplaced by the Commission for protecting, informing and educating the consumers.

The initiatives include the NCC Emergency Toll-free Number 112; the NCC Consumer Complaint Toll-Free Number 622; the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) Short Code 2442, the Regulation on Forceful Subscription and measures put in place to check cases of pre-registered Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards, among others.

Earlier in a welcome speech, president of ECCIMA, Sir Emeka Nwandu, who was represented by the 1st Deputy President, Barrister Jasper Nduagwuike, extolled the role of the Chamber in the facilitation and promotion of robust exchange of business engagements in the South East region of the country over the years through various initiatives, such as the Trade.

The event attracted many multinational, international and national exhibitors.