BY TAIWO ADELU
Contrary to insinuations in some quarters that the directive by the Nigerian Government for citizens to link their National Identification Number to their SIM cards is not adding value to the society, but to bring hardship, the National Communications Commission (NCC), has informed that the NIN-SIM linkage will be useful for the security agents to track suspected criminals that can lead to their arrest.
The Director, Public Affairs Department of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Mr. Reuben Muoka was live now on the “Morning Break Program ” on Channels Television early on Monday where he threw more light into the benefits Nigerians can drive linking their NIN to their SIM cards.
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.
Mouka further explained: “The police attends 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.”
While responding to the question whether the linkage can be done digitally without physical visit to the telecoms operators offices, Mouka said Nigeria has not really gotten to that level.
“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.
Mouka noted that Nigerians should not look at some of the new innovations coming into the country’s telecoms industry as a means of bringing hardship on them
“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.”
However, Mouka disclosed that the NCC, as the regulatory body, will leave nothing to chance to ensure that subscribers get value for the money they pay.
“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.”
