NCC warns Nigerians to avoid sharing SIM cards, NINs due to crime rate

 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned telecom consumers not to share their cell phones, National Identity Number (NIN), and Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards with others.

Mr Efeosa Edehen, Director Consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC, said on Thursday, May 6, at a consumer conversation event; organised by the commission in Abuja that defaulters would be held liable for any crime committed with the SIM cards.

The conversation with the theme “Know Your Rights and Obligations as a Telecom Consumer” was aimed at enlightening consumers on the dangers of sharing such vital information.

He warned that Nigerians must be extremely careful with their devices so they do not fall into the hands of the wrong people; who would use them to commit crimes and later be traced to the owners of the devices, NIN or SIM cards.

Edehen cautioned Nigerians not to help any of the consumers to link their SIM cards with their NIN; or give phones to other people to make calls, send texts, or use social media.

“Your phone carries your identity and therefore should be protected and always be with you.

“Note that you will be responsible for whatever wrong/offense someone else committed; while using your SIM card(s). So, be very vigilant.

“As a citizen, it is very important and necessary to register for National Identity Number (NIN); and to ensure your NIN is linked to your SIM cards,” the NCC official said.

Speaking further, he said consumers had the right to receive clear and complete terms; and conditions for service agreement and disclosures of price for goods and services.

He added that they also had the right to affirmatively accept all terms and conditions before being charged for services.

“They have the right to be protected against fraudulent, misleading, and deceitful information, advertisement or labelling.”

According to him, the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA 2003) and Consumer Code of Practice and Regulations 2007 (CCPR 2007) ensure that service Providers deal reasonably with the consumers by providing them with information on their service.

He said that such information should be complete, accurate, and up to date in simple and clear language.