This mandate, in line with the Licensing Regulations 2019, is designed to enhance regulatory oversight and ensure improved collaboration within Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.

Reuben Mouka, the NCC’s director of Public Affairs, pointed out that operators must notify the Commission of any changes to their contact details within seven days and submit updates via the Commission’s eServices platform.

The required updates include:

• Principal business address: Complete with a postcode, geographic coordinates, and landmarks.
• Mailing address: If it differs from the physical location.
• Email contacts: Active and monitored addresses.
• Phone numbers: Updated and operational.
• Personnel details: Names and roles of staff managing regulatory and operational matters.

The NCC has warned that failure to comply could result in severe penalties, including fines, licence suspension, or even revocation. 

While the specific penalties were not detailed, the Commission stressed the importance of accurate contact information for industry responsiveness and engagement.

Through this approach, the NCC is vying to strengthen regulatory processes, ensure transparency, and maintain effective communication with operators. 

Licensees are encouraged to comply promptly to avoid sanctions and support the continued growth and stability of the telecommunications sector.

For additional information, licensees may contact the NCC.

This objective by NCC is in line with the priorities set by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, as part of an ongoing effort to enhance Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.

In a statement by Reuben Mouka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, the Commission detailed its initiatives under the first year of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. 

Among these, the enhancement of service quality stands out as an essential target, reflecting the government’s focus on leveraging technology for economic growth.

Dr. Tijani’s Agenda 2023 outlines several key targets beyond the quality of service improvements. These include increasing Nigeria’s broadband penetration to 70% by the end of 2025, achieving data download speeds of 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas by the same year, and extending coverage to at least 80% of the population by 2026. 

Additionally, the agenda aims to reduce the number of unconnected Nigerians in rural areas from 61% to less than 20% by 2027 and secure a 300% to 500% increase in broadband investment by the end of 2027.

Under the leadership of Dr. Aminu Maida, the NCC has adopted a granular approach to data collection and analysis, focusing on local-level quality of service rather than broad national metrics. 

This method allows for targeted solutions and regulatory actions to enhance consumer experiences. Dr. Maida emphasizes the importance of consumer satisfaction throughout their entire journey, from selecting a network to receiving customer support.

To address common consumer complaints, particularly regarding data depletion, the NCC has mandated Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to conduct independent audits of their billing systems. The Commission is also working on simplifying tariff plans to increase transparency for consumers.

On the industry side, the NCC is working to build a resilient telecommunications sector. Efforts include critical advocacy for recognizing telecom infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure and successfully negotiating Right of Way (RoW) fee waivers in multiple states. 

The Commission is also engaged in addressing multiple taxation issues through the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.

Additionally, the NCC is reviewing its regulatory frameworks to keep pace with technological advancements, such as incorporating Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for 5G in its Quality of Service Regulations. These measures are designed to ensure high-speed internet connectivity and robust regulatory oversight.

Through these initiatives, the NCC is actively contributing to the Ministry’s vision of boosting economic growth and productivity via technological innovation.

This comprehensive strategy aims to fulfil the promise of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, positioning Nigeria’s telecom sector as a catalyst for national development.

According to a report, no fewer than 40 million telephone lines were affected by the NIN-SIM linkage issue, following the expiration of the February 28, 2024 deadline issued by the NCC.

This represents a 28 million increase from the 12 million telephone lines initially planned to be deactivated by telcos, following the NCC directive.

To forestall possible disconnection of your mobile number(s), the following step-by-step guide afford you the opportunity to navigate how to link your  mobile numbers to NIN through the use of the NIMC Personal Identity digital application as observed.

1. If you do not know your NIN, retrieve it by dialling *346# on the mobile number provided during the registration or supply your first name, middle name, surname and date of birth in the information box provided by the app to search the NIN.

2. After proceeding with providing the NIN in the box, it will proceed to confirm your number.

3. If the number found linked to your NIN is not that known, indicate that you want to use another number in the options provided.

4. Provide the number and you will immediately get an SMS containing a token to proceed.

5. If you don’t get an OTP, dial *364*2*NIN#.

6. You will receive an SMS containing your UserID and OTP.

7. You will then input the OTP after which you will be taken to your identity platform which will show your UserID and NIN info with a picture.

8. There’s an icon that will show that you can link your numbers, click on it and add your numbers.

9. Another OTP will be sent to the number(s) you want to link, input it and it will be linked.

Doing this will save you from disconnection and unnecessary heart palpitation.

Recall that on Thursday, Reuben Mouka, the director, Public Affairs, NCC, ruled out an extension of the NIN-SIM linkage deadline, warning that telcos that failed to enforce the deadline would be sanctioned.