TheNewsGuru

Tag: NCC

  • Cybersecurity: FG moves to safeguard Nigeria’s digital economy

    Cybersecurity: FG moves to safeguard Nigeria’s digital economy

    The Federal Government has renewed its plans to safeguard Nigeria’s digital economy from cybercrimes, while building more trust among strategic stakeholders in the country.

    The Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, made this known at the 2021 annual Cybersecurity Conference, on Wednesday, in Abuja.

    The conference was organised in conjunction with the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA), for strategic stakeholders to discuss Cybersecurity issues.

    The theme of the conference is: ”Building trust in the digital economy through cybersecurity and sensitisation on the Implementation of the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) 2021’’.

    Danbatta, who was represented by Mr Adeleke Adewolu, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management at NCC, said that the Commission was interested in issues that would enhance, protect and boost Nigeria’s digital economy.

    According to him, trust and confidentiality will promote a healthy digital environment, as enshrined in global best practices to guarantee the privacy and integrity of digital data.

    The digital economy should be built on trusted technologies and partnerships, to ensure strong cybersecurity that rides on public confidence, security, privacy and safety, to bolster responsive regulations, transparency, accountability and digital governance.

    He said that the pace at which technology advanced, acceleration of innovations and enterprise in the digital space amplified vulnerability opportunities, which malicious parties were quick to exploit, thereby slowing down the gains of digital economy.

    Danbatta also said that a strong cybersecurity would reduce the surface of vulnerabilities in the digital economy that could be exploited.

    The NCC Executive vice chairman called on all cybersecurity stakeholders to key into the NCPS, 2021, to accelerate the adoption of its various components, citing it as a collective responsibility since no single government, business or individual was immune or could do it alone.

    “NCC is in the forefront of ensuring a sound cybersecurity culture that is built on people, process and technology.

    “The launching of NCC’s sectoral CERT is a testament of our resolve to promote a healthy digital environment.

    “Our various cybersecurity awareness initiatives and campaigns are helping the public understand the risks in the digital space and how to reduce the vulnerability opportunities that adversaries can benefit from.

    “Our collective resolve is to continuously boost trust and confidence in our digital economy, by ensuring adherence to sound cybersecurity culture and hygiene, internally and with external partners, as well as other stakeholders.

    Brig.-Gen. Samad Akesode, Director of communications at ONSA, who spoke on strengthening the country’s security, told the participants that the office was building stronger collaboration with major actors in the security sector to guide the digital economy in Nigeria and beyond.

    Akesode said that several workshops being organised were in line with the vision of the present administration to ensure that the issue of security was taken more seriously at all levels.

  • FG cannot allow Twitter, other social media platforms to cause chaos in Nigeria – NCC

    FG cannot allow Twitter, other social media platforms to cause chaos in Nigeria – NCC

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said it cannot allow Twitter and other social media platforms to cause chaos in the country, stressing that it would be irresponsible for any government to allow unbridled use of the platforms.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the NCC made this known while saying the commission was in a process of adjusting regulatory instruments and management tools to ensure regulations are fit for future imperatives of a robust telecoms sector.

    The Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management (ECSM), NCC, Adeleke Adewolu made these known when he spoke at a panel session at the 2021 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association held in Port Harcourt.

    Speaking during the conference with the theme: ‘Taking the Lead’, Adewolu, who made the declaration in a panel discussion focused on Government Regulation of Innovation and Technology, said, “In specific terms, we are taking action in the following areas:

    “We are adjusting regulatory instruments and management tools to ensure regulations are fit for the future. An example is our ongoing review of the Telephone Subscriber Registration Regulations to strengthen the framework for digital identity; and the review of the Spectrum Trading Guidelines to ensure more efficient use of spectrum.”

    Also, the ECSM said NCC is laying institutional foundations to enable cooperation with other regulatory institutions and international organisations such as the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

    The Commission, according to Adewolu, is also developing and adapting governance frameworks to enable the development of agile and future-proof regulation; and equally adapting regulatory enforcement activities to the “new normal”.

    He said this is to ensure alignment with the rapid technological changes and innovations that are emerging at a high speed and with sophistication.

    On censorship, particularly tackling illegal and harmful content on over-the-top (OTT) platforms, Adeleke said NCC had to opt for “a middle ground that promotes safe use of digital service platforms without necessarily stifling the exercise of the citizen’s right to free expression as guaranteed in the Nigerian Constitution.”

    He explained that on technology platforms, censorship manifests in three scenarios, namely, restriction of person-to-person communications; restriction of Internet access generally; or restriction of access to specific content, which governments find objectionable.

    This, he said, was pursuant to constitutional provisions such as those in Section 39(3) of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution, as amended, which approves “any law that is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society to prevent the disclosure of information received in confidence, maintaining the authority and independence of courts or regulating telephony, wireless broadcasting, television or the exhibition of cinematograph films.”

    In particular, Adewolu declared that the third scenario is globally recognised as the ideal situation because one of the core responsibilities of government (as enshrined in Chapter 2 of the Nigerian Constitution) is to safeguard the lives and property of citizens.

    Explicating further, Adewolu said that social media platforms allow instant communications without regard for impact or consequences. He insisted that self-regulation is possible, but “as we have experienced over and over again, an ill-considered post on social media can easily incite unrest and crises.”

    He bemoaned the fact that leading social media platforms have demonstrated a rather unfortunate reluctance to moderate the use of their platforms for subversion and harm. “So, we cannot trust them to self-regulate,” he emphasised.

    According to him, self-regulation has not been very effective, and interestingly, “the largest platforms are global platforms and many of them are protected by their home governments.”

    For instance, “Sc.230 of US Communications Act provides immunity to firms like Facebook and Google from responsibility for content disseminated on their media, although they still apply fair usage and community rules which enables them to self-regulate.

    However, as we saw with the case of the former US President Donald Trump – people are often able to disseminate negative content for a while before they are cut off. Mr Trump had over 87 million followers he engaged directly with,” the ECSM stated.

    Another example he cited happened just few days ago when CNN reported that Facebook deliberately failed to curb posts inciting violence in Ethiopia despite the fact that its own staff flagged such posts, and that Ethiopia is listed as a high-priority zone, which has been fighting a civil war for the past one year.

    As Adewolu recalled, the UN Secretary General recently called for the regulation of social media platforms, and even the CEO of Facebook has made similar calls in the past.

    “So, we cannot wholly depend on self-regulation. And whilst we cannot prevent citizens from freely expressing themselves on these platforms, it would be irresponsible for any government to allow unbridled use of these mediated communication to cause chaos and imperil lives and property. Government must act to protect social cohesion and national security,” he counselled.

  • Coalition of CSOs commends NCC for digital economy initiatives

    Coalition of CSOs commends NCC for digital economy initiatives

    …presents Danbatta with certificate of performance

    The Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG), a coalition of over 180 civil society organizations, has commended the Management of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) led by its Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, for driving various regulatory initiatives for the development of country’s digital economy.

    President of the group, Comrade Ogakwu Dominic, gave the commendation during a visit to the Commission’s Head Office in Abuja on Thursday, October 21, 2021 to present an award and appreciation letter to the EVC.

    According to Dominic, the certificate of performance presented to the EVC was in recognition of his efforts in driving regulatory initiatives under his supervision and more importantly, to appreciate NCC’s support for the successful hosting of a recently concluded ‘Round Table on Digital economy’.

    “The EVC has demonstrated high level of patriotism, commitment and statesmanship and as such, the Certificate of Performance (COP) we are presenting today is to commend you for your renowned track record as a leader with great passion focused on effective growth and advancement of the Nigerian economy as the basis for enhanced national development,” Dominic said.

    Receiving the delegation on behalf of the EVC, the Assistant Director, Digital Economy, NCC, Uket Bassey, appreciated the award and certificate presented to the NCC boss, saying it is symbolic of the fact that, an important organisation like the Civil Society Groups for Good Governance appreciate the good work the Commission has been doing to create digital access for all and sundry.

    Bassey said, as the telecom regulator, the Commission aims to support and partner with all relevant stakeholders and Nigerians at large. This, according to him, will ensure that the growth of the country’s socio-economic system is sustained through promotion of universal access and service to all Nigerians, regardless of their circumstances.

  • Final regulatory notes for Dr Eugene Juwah, By Okoh Aihe

    Final regulatory notes for Dr Eugene Juwah, By Okoh Aihe

    By Okoh Aihe

     

    You write speeches, prepare presentations and did notes that were greeted with smiles from the inner recesses of a very private individual, and the materials are presented with attention to the minutest details with every little inch observed. You enjoy the private opportunities to discuss industry and regulatory issues that would ever remain sealed in the expanse accommodation of the executive office. And now one has to write final notes that would never be read by that genial face, because his journey has started; and once on that journey, the exigent demands to complete it and put a closure, hardly accommodate any distractions.

     

    Once life is given, there is a demand, that one day one would have to make this journey by way of returning to the owner of life. On October 9, 2021, Dr Eugene Ikemefuna Juwah started his journey most unexpectedly.

     

    In breaking the unfortunate news to his other family, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), his son, Eugene Chukwugoziem Juwah wrote: “The family of Dr Eugene Juwah, with a heavy heart, notify the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, FNSE, FRAES, FAEng, FINEEE, The Board of Commissioners, Management and Staff of the Nigerian Communications Commission, of the sudden death of our Father and Husband, Dr Eugene Juwah, on the 9th October, 2021, after a brief illness in Canada.”

     

    The news is so goring and strikes straight at the heart. Such abrupt cessation of a much resourced life is so painful and will certainly be missed.

     

    Dr Juwah joined the NCC in 2010 as the Executive Vice Chairman, EVC, and his appointment elicited some praises for the government. Perhaps looking at the sterling performance of Engr Ernest Ndukwe who, through sheer genius and grit of character, had built a solid foundation for the telecommunications industry, the government opted for a proven industry expert and picked Juwah, with a demonstrable industry practice, who had worked with Communications Investment Limited (CIL) and Mobile Telecommunications Services Ltd (MTS).

     

    With a PhD from the University of Manchester and an MSc from the Technical University of Veszprem, and a glittering industry practice with niche organisations, Juwah was a total package for the regulatory Commission with requisite personality pull to rally industry support for next level growth aspirations. With a leg in erudition, industry and then regulation, Juwah plunged on the job with comfortable dexterity.

     

    A lecturer once said at the Lagos Business School that every chief executive of a corporation comes with his/her own style of administration. Juwah had his, and it was interesting and compound.

     

    Before his appointment, corporate governance at the NCC had witnessed some shaking within months with two transition executive heads struggling for control. Fortunately, NCC was built in such a way that it could run on auto pilot for a time before serious damage can be done. Juwah came at a time the Commission needed its stability reinforced and he drew on his residual executive experience to restore calm in the Commission.

     

    There is a healthy saying that government is a continuum, which ordinarily should mean that no new government gets into office and start a journey from the scratch. But not in this part of the world where previous administrations are cast in slur just to damn them forever but which necessarily does not guarantee performance for the new administration.

     

    For Juwah at the NCC, government was a continuum. He kept faith with the culture of the Commission to contemplate the most immediate steps.He embarked on industry stakeholder consultations to determine areas of strategic focus by his administration. The focus areas are summarised as follows: a return of the fixed line infrastructure along the national broadband development plan, enhancement of consumer, vigorous compliance monitoring and enforcement to achieve lasting industry sanity, to improve national connectivity, enhance Nigeria’s relationship within the global telecom community, and consolidation of Mobile Wireless Services, including Quality of Service.

     

    The identified pathways were further tied to one major and most desirable programme for a futuristic nation: Development of pervasive, affordable and robust broadband infrastructure.

     

    At the end, after a nationwide painstaking process of infrastructure inventory and appraisal of broadband prospects in Nigeria, the nation chose the Open Access Model to achieve rapid, pervasive and affordable broadband infrastructure and services.

     

    Juwah pursued his vision with determinate drive and focus and would eventually earn the sobriquet, Mr Broadband.

     

    Fortunately,he had a good board encouraging every of his step. The board which was headed by Engr Peter Igoh, included other members who had liberated minds and discipline to engage in discourse on any issue in telecommunications apropos its relevance to national development.

     

    Results poured in for Juwah. Mobile lines uptake and internet connection spiked, investment soared to over $32bn, and there was epidemic infrastructural transformation of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) across the country to prepare it for expected tech revolution. The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) for the first time developed an access gap map to show areas of telecoms service unavailability across the country. Contribution of telecoms to GDP climbed to 9.25 per cent in the second quarter of 2014. Some drastic industry decisions were taken to contain the excesses of stakeholders. The times really were good.

     

    Jerry Ugwu, Chief of Staff (COS) to Juwah wrote of his boss, “A self-effacing, focused, diligent and goal oriented professional, he brought tested skills and qualities to the job, without any razzmatazz as any regulator who understands the nature of the job ought to do. That none publicity hugging nature made him very effective on the job as he set out to consolidate on key aspects of the industry on which his predecessor had established visible footprints, but no doubts left very indelible footprints of his own. The consolidation of the growth in the voice segment and the pivot to, and growth in the data segment was laid and cemented during his tenure. The personnel growth in manpower was in full consonance with need as a regulatory Commission strictly in adherence to Federal Character Principles and strict observance of all policy regulations, financial and otherwise. He fleshed out and drove the SimCard Registration and enacted the regulations to booth, the Mobile Number Portability (MNP), improvement in quality of service, cashless payment solution,etc. Dr. Juwah’s stewardship in the Commission is sterling and indelible. Those who had the privilege of serving in the Commission during his time are daily coming to terms with the sense of balance, equity and sense of justice which he sought to bequeath, which some may not have fully understood at the time.”

     

    In Juwah the nation has lost a great patriot. Delta has lost a great son. And some of us have lost a boss and a friend, a technocrat who, in the final analysis, may not have been fairly treated by the very nation he loved and served. May you find peace on the other side and may your memory remain a blessing to the rest of us.

  • Why you should not link your NIN to another person’s SIM

    Why you should not link your NIN to another person’s SIM

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has strongly warned telecoms consumers to ensure they do not allow their National Identification Number (NIN) to be linked to another person’s Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards, no matter how close the person is to them.

    The Commission gave the warning during its third run Telecom Consumer Town Hall on Radio (TCTHR) programme, broadcast live on Human Rights Radio, 101.1 FM in Abuja recently. The event was hosted on the platform of ‘NCC Digital Signature on Radio’.

    The NCC Digital Signature on Radio is the flagship radio programme of the Commission created to educate the general public on the mandates of the Commission and for sharing salient, consumer-centric and up-to-date information on how NCC is delivering on its mandates.

    Speaking during the radio programme focused on ‘the Benefits of NIN-SIM Integration’, NCC’s Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Efosa Idehen, said “On no account should a telecom consumer, however circumstanced, allow another person to register a SIM with another person’s NIN.”

    Idehen said compliance with this advice will protect the true owner of the NIN from any liabilities or negative consequences arising from the use of other person’s SIM.

    “If the person, whose SIM is linked to your line use his own SIM to commit crimes or any form of atrocities, it is easy to be traced to you and then, you will be dealt with because the SIM is linked to your NIN,” he said.

    During the phone-in segment of the radio programme, which lasted two hours, consumers within Nigeria and in the diaspora, especially from the United Kingdom (UK), Russia and neighbouring countries like Ghana, among others, were able to call and get clarifications on concerns they had regarding the ongoing NIN-SIM integration in Nigeria.

    Discussions largely focused on educating consumers on NIN and its purpose, process of obtaining NIN, why consumers are being asked to submit their NIN to their Mobile Network Service Providers, the benefits of NIN-SIM linkage, relationship between NIN and Bank Verification Number (BVN) registration, the step-by-step approach to linking NIN to SIM, and the role and uses of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) *346# in the NIN-SIM integration activities.

    Efosa was joined in the studio by NCC’s Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, who was represented by an Assistant Director in the department, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan; and a Deputy Director, Projects Department of NCC, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, who jointly educated consumers on the various aspects of NIN-SIM integration exercise.

    Other panelists include NCC’s Head, Consumer Information and Education, Mistura Aruna; Head, Corporate Communication, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Kayode Adegoke, as well as representatives of mobile operators, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9Mobile.

    During the radio programme, telecoms consumers were reminded repeatedly of the October 31, 2021 deadline for NIN-SIM integration. The Federal Government had extended the deadline earlier giving for the completion of the NIN-SIM linkage to 31st October 2021.

    The two-hour discussion programme, which was also livestreamed on the social media, recorded broader participation than its forerunners due to a combination of the regular radio listenership with viewership on Human Rights Radio’s social media assets. Thus, it achieved NCC’s objective of using a mass medium to expand its reach to telecom consumers to enhance their protection through information sharing, and education in order to improve the quality of consumer experience with telecom services in Nigeria.

  • Gani Fawehinmi 2021 Integrity Award: Dr Tonye Jaja makes list of upright Nigerians

    Gani Fawehinmi 2021 Integrity Award: Dr Tonye Jaja makes list of upright Nigerians

    … described as an uncommon man of honour

    By Emman Ovuakporie

    Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja, a lawyer and public servant is among the nominees in the 2021 Most Outstanding Nigerians in the fourth edition of the Gani Fawhinmi Integrity Award series.

    In the short citation of Dr Tonye Jaja he was described as one Nigerian that lived above board serving Nigeria during his stint as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Copyright Commission from May 2019 to October 2020.

    The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) is an agency of the federal
    government of Nigeria responsible for copyright matters within Nigeria.

    It is to my knowledge that upon his assumption of office, Dr. Tonye Clinton
    Jaja discovered evidence of deep conflict of interest and corrupt practices
    perpetrated by the Director-General of the NCC.

    Despite offers of huge inducements and subsequently, threats to his life, Dr.
    Jaja reported the infractions to the Code of Conduct Bureau and made stringent efforts for the infractions to be dealt with in line with the law and the
    rules.

    As a result of his determination to uphold the law, Dr Clinton-Jaja was
    removed from his position as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian
    Copyright Commission.

    In my dealing with Dr. Tonye Clinton-Jaja, I have found him to be an uncommon man of honor and unquestionable integrity at a time when such values are disappearing rapidly from our society.

  • Deployment of 5G network at 97% completion nationwide – NCC

    Deployment of 5G network at 97% completion nationwide – NCC

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has confirmed it is 97% ready for the implementation of 5G deployment in the country.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Professor Umar Danbatta, confirmed the readiness at the annual African Tech Alliance Forum (AFRITECH) 2021, held in Lagos with the theme: “Embracing Changes and Digital Transformation in the New Normal.”

    Danbatta stated that this paradigm shift in communication has led to a significant increase in network connectivity requirements as a result of an unprecedented upsurge in internet traffic, occasioned by the use of a plethora of web applications.

    He explained that the NCC is working with operators to implement a number of initiatives to ensure network expansion.

    These, he said, include an ongoing plan to auction spectrum in 3.5 gigahertz (Ghz) band to operators for the deployment of 5G network in Nigeria.

    “Already, we are set for the auction of some spectrum slots in 3.5GHz band. The other day I was at the National assembly, I informed the senate that we were 95 percent ready for 5G. Today as we speak, I am delighted to tell you that we are already at 97 percent completion,” he said.

    “Consistent with our mandate as enshrined in the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA-2003) and other guiding legislations, we have been working to ensure the penetration of broadband services in line with Federal Government’s targets, as contained in Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), 2020 to 2025.

    “The Committee set up to auction the Spectrum has already developed an Information Memorandum (IM) which is already published for inputs and comments from all industry stakeholders. Prior to this, a 5G deployment plan was developed and we have since secured Federal Government’s approval.”

    He stated that the trend has made remote work, virtual meetings, virtual studies, and virtual healthcare delivery, among others, the new normal.

    The NCC boss was represented at the event by the Director, Spectrum Administration at the commission, Engineer Oluwatoyin Asaju and the commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde.

  • NCC’s regulatory instruments set to facilitate 5G deployment, tackle insecurity – Danbatta

    NCC’s regulatory instruments set to facilitate 5G deployment, tackle insecurity – Danbatta

    The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has declared that three of the Commission’s regulatory instruments are set to offer enabling provisions that will help the country in tackling security and insurgency; as well as to enhance spectrum availability to facilitate the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) technology.

    The three instruments, which were subjected to a public inquiry on Tuesday physically and virtually, include the Spectrum Trading Guidelines (STG), Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations, and the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Replacement Guidelines.

    Speaking recently at a semi-virtual public inquiry, which on-site operation was conducted at the Commission’s Head Office in Abuja, Danbatta said the three regulatory instruments have been developed to address the challenges of the ever evolving communications industry and to further strengthen the market structure.

    He said the public inquiry was held in line with the Commission’s consultative approach in all its regulatory interventions, as the regulatory instruments being reviewed are vital to ensuring that the regulatory frameworks that pertain to SIM registration and replacement in the communications industry meet the demands of the digital age and also further enhance the flexibility of the spectrum trading regime.

    Yhe first instrument, the Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations, provides a regulatory framework for the registration of subscribers of communications services utilising subscription mediums. The second instrument, SIM Replacement Guidelines, provides guidance on the standards and procedure which Network Service Providers (NSPs) are expected to adhere to in the process of conducting a SIM Replacement, swap or upgrade.

    Besides the instruments, two Business Rules that relate to SIM Registration and SIM Replacement, introduced by the Commission to further ensure that the process for SIM activation and Replacement is seamless and align with the national identity management policy.

    The third instrument, the Spectrum Trading Guidelines (STG), seeks to promote certainty and transparency by outlining the detailed procedure and conditions for spectrum trading in the Nigerian communications sector.

    While underscoring that the availability of spectrum frequency is a necessary element in the deployment of the 5G technology in Nigeria, Danbatta said the recent approval of the 5G Deployment Plan by the Federal Government makes the STG review process expedient.

    Danbatta said the public inquiry is a precursor to the Commission’s current drive towards ensuring that frequency spectrum is readily available to licensees through a rapid and effective process. Additionally, the EVC said that “in view of the resolve of the Federal Government to tackle insurgency and insecurity through citizen identity management, it has become necessary to ensure that the provisions of the Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations and SIM Replacement Guidelines are in alignment with the National Identity Policy for SIM Card Registration and related activities.”

    According to him, the revision of both instruments is geared towards ensuring a more secure and robust process for the registration, activation and replacement of SIMs. “It is, therefore, my expectation that the review will ensure a more robust framework for the registration of subscribers of communication services, improve the standards and procedures for SIM replacements and ensure effective and efficient utilisation of frequency spectrum in Nigeria,” the EVC said.

    Speaking earlier, NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Adeleke Adewolu, said the draft of all the regulatory instruments had been published on the Commission’s website and comments from all stakeholders have been received and reviewed. However, he noted that the public inquiry was meant to receive more comments from stakeholders, which would ensure that the final regulatory instruments will enhance development of the industry.

    At the event, which was well attended by senior management staff of the Commission and virtually by other external stakeholders, presentations were made by the Commission on the inputs so far received from licensees and other stakeholders on each of the three regulatory instruments, highlighting issues for further rethink by all stakeholders.

    The stakeholders who participated in the event virtually, were also provided the opportunity to make inputs, contribute freely to the discussions in a very frank and objective manner that elicited thoughtful discussions that will further enrich the quality of the regulatory instruments being developed for the growth of the sector and the national economy.

  • New SIM regulation is to protect minors -NCC

    New SIM regulation is to protect minors -NCC

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says the prohibition of persons below the age of 18 years in the revised SIM registration regulation is to protect them against legal liabilities.

    A segment of the revised regulation proposed 18 years old as one of the requirements for registering and owning a sim card in Nigeria.

    Ikechukwu Adinde, NCC spokesman, said this in a statement issued on Wednesday.

    Adinde said the age of 18 years for SIM acquisition proposed in the draft regulation is contingent on the constitutional provision, which makes 18 years the age of consent in Nigeria.

    He further noted that SIM acquisition is a contract between service providers and their subscribers and requires the subscriber to have proper legal status.

    “We would like to draw the attention of the public to a publication in a section of the media, purporting that the Commission is developing a regulation to disqualify Nigerians below 18 years of age from getting Subscriber Identity Module (SIM),” the statement reads.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission wishes to categorically state that the said report is not only misleading and inaccurate; but a misinformation and mischaracterization of the proceedings of the Public Inquiry on the Reviewed/Draft Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations, which took place on Tuesday, October 6, 2021.

     

    “The Commission considers it necessary to set the record straight for the purpose of serving existing and potential telecom subscribers, investors and other stakeholders in the industry accurate information for making informed decisions.

    “In accordance with sections 70 and 71 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003 and the Commission’s consultative engagement process, which define its rule-making process, the public inquiry was held for all relevant stakeholders to provide input on the draft regulatory instrument.

    “The age of 18 years for SIM acquisition proposed in the draft regulation is contingent on the constitutional provision, which makes 18 years the age of consent in Nigeria. Also, SIM acquisition is a contract between service providers and their subscribers, which requires the subscriber to have proper legal status, be of matured mind and rational enough to bear certain responsibilities, obligations and liabilities imposed by a contract.

    “The proposal is, therefore, to protect minors. Parents and guardians can acquire SIMs in their names on behalf of their children and wards in which case they assume whatever responsibilities or liabilities arise from the usage o such SIMs, a measure expected to also strengthen national security.”

    The commission said it is pursuing digital inclusion for all and that the draft proposal is planned to guarantee increased monitoring of children and shield minors from undue liabilities in line with NCC’s Child Online Protection drive.

    “The consultative engagement process is still ongoing, as the Commission is reviewing all input from relevant stakeholders in this regard and will consider and deliberate on all comments before issuing a final regulatory instrument” the statement adds.

    “We appeal to our media stakeholders to always fact-check their stories pertaining to telecoms regulatory issues and seek necessary clarifications for informed and accurate reporting as the Commission runs an open-house system.”

  • BREAKING: NCC set to auction 5G spectrum slots

    BREAKING: NCC set to auction 5G spectrum slots

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is set to auction five slots of spectrum for deployment of the Fifth Generation (5G) technology.

    Prof. Umar Danbatta, NCC Executive Vice-Chairman disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday during the public hearing and inquiry on the proposed draft regulations on telephone subscriber registration, Sim replacement and spectrum allocation, 2021.

    Danbatta stated that the commission had put everything in place to auction five slots of 5G spectrum.

    “When I appeared before the Senate on our readiness for 5G deployment, I said we were 95 per cent but right now we are 97 per cent,” he said.

    Mr Adeleke Adewolu, NCC Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management, in his welcome address, said that the public hearing and inquiry on the spectrum trading guidelines, sim registration guidelines and telephone users guidelines would help the commission to improve the industry.

    Adewolu appealed to the commission to look into the N200,000 penalty for active unregistered line and review it upward so that it could serve as deterrent.

    “This spectrum trading guidelines, telephone users guidelines and SIM replacement guidelines will help to guarantee growth in the industry,” he said.

    The NCC Director, Legal Services, Mrs Josephine Amuwahe, who gave an overview of Sim registration and activation, said that any network provider that allowed pre-registered Sim without full bio-data would pay N200,000 penalty per Sim.

    Amuwahe, represented by the Director, Telecoms Laws and Regulatory Unit, Legal Services Department, NCC, Mrs Helen Obi, listed some of the new guidelines.

    According to her, the guidelines are, Activation window (grace period where a subscriber enjoyed limited services before full registration), a period has been increased from 30 days to 60 days

    “Foreigners with visas, two or more years, are to register their NIN before acquiring a telephone line but those of less than two years visas are not required to get a NIN.

    “A subscriber is a person that is of 18 years and above. Subscribers are only allowed to register four sim cards per a network provider

    “For the reactivation of a deactivated line, the person will have to go through the process of new activation of a Sim card,” she said.

    Mr Adedoyin Oye, Airtel staff, said the company had over 300 fibre cuts in a month as a result of construction.

    Oye, however, urged the NCC for an improved synergy between the commission, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and construction firms to protect MNOs fibres.