The Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC), says terrorists and bandits have been denied access to Subscribers Identity Module (SIM) cards with the ongoing implementation of the National Identity Number (NIM) SIM linkage policy.
The Director, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement NCC, Mr Ephraim Nwokonanya, disclosed this at the One-day Capacity Building for members of the Nigerian Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA), Abuja Chapter at the Commission Headquarters in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
According to him, there is appreciable progress in the NIN-SIM linkage policy which is meant to curb insurgency, kidnapping and banditry in the country.
He explained that NIN-SIM implementation has been a vital tool in addressing the nation’s insecurity challenges.
Represented by Head Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement, NCC, Mr Alkasim Umar, he said that “Yes we are making progress. The only challenge we are faced with now is, If they kidnap you, I mean the bandits; they use your number to call. They will never use their phone lines, it is the kidnapped person’s phone number they use to call and switch it off immediately. They can keep you in a different place and make you somewhere else. If a phone is off, there is no way one can trace it. It’s a big challenge.
“Even in the National Assembly someone brought this up, to ban all kidnappers lines, some people objected, that if they use a person’s number to make calls why can’t Federal Government block the terrorists/bandits’ phone numbers. Then someone rose up to say there will be more killings, this is because kidnappers are after victims’ money so there is no way it will curb the problem. But now there is progress because they are being denied SIM cards.”
He decried the illegal use of network boosters adding that the Commission is committed to persecuting Nigerians using network boosters in their homes and offices to the detriment of others.
Meanwhile, Director, Policy Competition and Economic Analysis, NCC, Mr Atu Sunday while speaking on “Intensively on the issues around International Termination Rate (ITR) for Voice services,“ explained that the Commission’s ITR policy is ultimately designed to carter for the interest of Nigeria and all telecoms stakeholders.
On the ITR rate floor price pegged at $0.0045, Mr Sunday said the Commission utilized the best pricing modem to arrive at the figure which is why the rate is not too high or low.
“So, if the rate is too high between portfolio Nigerians who are only developing their pockets in just being able to call but at the same time, the rate should be fair that it will also not be injurious to our balance of payments. It will also not be injurious to the profitability of the operators,“ he explained.
The Head, Media, and Public Relations NCC, Mrs Grace Ojougboh lauded members of NITRA for their professional reportage of the Commission.
Speaking on behalf of the Association, the President, Mr Blessing Olaifa, represented by Mr Emmanuel Elebeke appreciated NCC for the capacity training.
He assured that members of NITRA would continue to support the progressive policies of the NCC through professional reportage.
“We want to commend you for your consistency in churning out progressive policies and regulations that have positioned NCC as a pacesetter in Africa. We assure you that we will keep faith with you and ensure that we always support you as expected as professionals in the course of our reportage for the greater good and growth of the Nigerian economy,“ he said.
The training was aimed at interacting and strengthening the existing relationship between the NCC and the Media towards the achievement of growth as well as highlighting the challenges in the telecommunications sector in Nigeria and beyond for possible solutions.
PIAK
