News
Don’t Take Extension Of SIM-NIN Linkage Deadline For Granted, NCC Warns
In line with its culture of enlightening the public, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has warned telecommunications subscribers not to delay further in linking their SIM cards and National Identity Number (NIN).
It said further delay in taking the advantage of the recent extension of the earlier deadline could caught some of them napping as the Federal Government may no longer extend the existing deadline.
It also warned subscribers not to stop purchase or use pre-registered Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards, which according to him remains illegal and criminal act.
The Director Consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC, Efosa Idehen, sounded the warning in at a maiden edition of Telecom Consumer conversation entitled, ‘Getting Consumer to Know Their Rights’, held at Garki International Market, Abuja, yesterday.
He highlighted the rights of telecom consumers to quality telecommunications services, timely response by operator and affordable charges and urged them to always report any infraction to the NCC toll free line 622 whenever the need arises.
While acknowledging the role of telecom sector in the development of the society and the economy, Efosa charged telecom consumers to always abreast themselves with their rights, privileges and obligations in order not to be abused.
He further warned against the patronage of pre-registered SIM, noting that anyone found using (or selling or otherwise transacting with) such SIM cards will be fined and jailed upon conviction.
He said, “Those who trade in and use pre-registered SIM cards pose serious threat to our individual and collective safety because such criminal elements hid their real identities while using such SIM cards to perpetrate nefarious activities such as kidnapping and financial crimes in the society.
“The commission urges consumers to report infractions of the SIM registration laws and guidelines to law enforcement agencies because it is a noble civic responsibility to do so and a worthy support to NCC’s effort in eradicating such dangerous activities in our society”, he concluded.
“The Nigerian Communications Commission is a regulatory body for the Telecommunications Industry in Nigeria. The commission is responsible for creating an enabling environment for competition among operators in the industry as well as ensuring the provision of qualitative and efficient the Independent National Regulatory Authority telecommunications services throughout the country.
“The commission plays a vital role in National Security and works very closely with the ONSA, Security Agencies, CBN, MNO’s and other relevant bodies at ensuring security in the use of the telecom network.” Also, worthy of mentioning is the commission’s proactive intervention in nipping the cases of call masking and call retilling in the bud; working with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the administration has taken drastic actions to identify culprit licensees and sanction them accordingly”, he stated.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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