The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has again explained why all subscribers must link their National Identification Number (NIN) to their SIM while allaying fears being expressed in some quarters.
Speaking recently on the issue on Monday the Director, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, Mr. Reuben Muoka said the decision will assist greatly in curtailing insecurity in the country.
Mouka said that the insinuation that if the NIN-SIM linkage is working, why is the process not utilized to curb kidnappings and other crimes should not be a parameter to condemn the exercise, adding that, while NCC is not a security agency, rather it a regulatory agency for telecoms in Nigeria, the NIN-SIM linkage when finalised will aid in the investigative process of the security agencies in the country.
According to him; “The police attend to the issue of information provision for tracking victims. But if the identity of the victim is not properly registered, then tracking will be difficult.
“Nigerians should realise that there have been successful outcomes in utilizing the NIN-SIM linkage despite the fact that the process is still ongoing.”
Given the available infrastructure for the process, Muoka said the exercise will require the physical presence of subscribers to verify their details rather than by virtual means pending the time the facilities for such will be updated.
“We cannot do that right now because of discrepancies on NIN or other identity issues.
“Of course, this will be possible in the future, but at this nascent moment of the process, it is needful that all these issues are cleared up. Subsequently, it can be done digitally,” he said.
He advised subscribers to see the positive benefits of the exercise for our national good instead of condemning the innovation which he described as the standard globally.
“What we are doing is not different from what is witnessed in many parts of the world. There are several dimensions to such challenges and the level of digital development in Nigeria should be appreciated and will continue to improve.”
“Compliance to obligations and other issues that will enhance Quality of Service (QoS) is of utmost importance to the NCC and our eyes are opened and focused on the service providers to improve QoS.
“There is no operator that likes disruptions because they are not making money. Sometimes, things like major fibre cuts during construction or other such issues are beyond what the service providers can handle.
“The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC Dr. Aminu Maida has constantly emphasized that Quality of Experience and the consumer is one of his strategic focal points. So the NCC is working closely with service providers to uphold this strategy.”
