NCC deactivates 2.2m improperly registered SIM cards

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has deactivated 2.2 million improperly registered subscriber identification module (SIM) cards across mobile telecommunication networks nationwide.

NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta, made this known in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Henry Nkemadu in Abuja.

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Danbatta said that the commission’s efforts in this regard are in line with one of the key agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari to strengthen security of lives and property for all Nigerians.

“We have since initiated the second phase of SIM deactivation based on the ministerial directive and as at today, we have completely deactivated the remaining 2.2 million lines on the networks.

“This is contrary to reports by a section of the media, suggesting that nothing has been done with respect to the issue of improperly registered SIM cards.

“Following the September 2019 ministerial directive, however, the NCC within a week intensified efforts by reducing the number of improperly registered SIM cards from 9.2 million to 2.2 million,” he said.

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He however, said that over the years, the NCC had worked with determination and through various policy initiatives, to rid mobile networks of improperly or invalidly registered SIM cards.

The NCC chief executive explained that this is to ensure that all the current over 184 million registered SIM cards across mobile network operators have valid data that were traceable and not anonymous.

According to him, the commission’s efforts received a boost, following the implementation of a September 12, 2019 ministerial directive that the NCC should compel service providers to block all improperly-registered SIM cards, pending when their owners regularise their registration.

“As at the time the ministerial order was issued, the commission, through its compliance monitoring and enforcement team had reduced the number of improperly-registered SIM cards on mobile networks in the country to 9.2 million,” Danbatta added.

He recalled that the commission had in June 2019, commenced the second round of comprehensive verification audit of mobile network operators SIM card registration as part of the commission’s ongoing regulatory interventions.

Danbatta said that the regulations were the setting up of the SIM registration industry task force, which led to several resolutions including the industry working group on harmonisation of SIM registration process.

He also said that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) was inclusive to ensure a clean SIM database, adding that the audit exercise was concluded in August 2019.

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“The audit was specifically to ensure strict adherence by telecom operators to the provisions of the Telephone Subscribers Registration Regulations 2011,” he said.

NCWS calls for all inclusive policies for women

The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has called on government at all levels to ensure all-inclusive policies that would create opportunities for women in all sphere of life.

NCWS President, Gloria Shoda, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, to mark the 2020 International Women’s Day with the theme: “I am generation equality: Realising women’s rights.”

Shoda said that the day is marked every March 8 by the United Nations and other global organisations to bring to the fore issues that affect women.

The council boss said that in spite of efforts to expand the frontiers for women, there is a more urgent need to focus on women in the rural areas, stating that women in rural areas need inclusive policies, financial support and social structures that would aid them in making positive contributions to development of the society.

According to the council boss, it is imperative to press for progress across different markers of development, especially for women, and ensure that spaces are created for them to achieve their potentials.

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“As the world celebrates the International Women’s Day, it is important to stress the contribution of women to national development. But, at the same time, it is an opportunity to call for inclusive policies and open space to address issues of gender parity.

“This will make it easier for women to not only reach their full potentials in politics and business, but also expand the space for representation in societal integration and growth,” she said.

Shoda noted that the council over the years has empowered millions of women and created opportunities for them to expand in businesses, even as she called for support for the NCWS to help women achieve their goals.

According to her, the 2020 IWD’s theme “I am Generation equality: Realising women’s rights” is an opportunity for government at all levels to deliberate on the actualisation of the rights of women.

”The generation equality campaign is bringing together people of every gender, age, ethnicity, race, religion and country, to drive actions that will create the gender-equal world we all deserve.

”Together, we want to mobilise to end gender-based violence; we are calling for economic justice and rights for all; bodily autonomy, sexual and reproductive health and rights; and feminist action for climate justice.

”We want technology and innovation for gender equality; and feminist leadership,” she stated.

Shoda said the theme is apt as it calls on government to pay particular attention to areas of social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure.

She said that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can only be achieved by transformative shifts, integrated approaches and new solutions, particularly in the area of advancing gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.