The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched a renewed drive to eliminate the sale and use of pre-registered SIM cards and strengthen regulatory oversight across the nation’s telecommunications sector.
The initiative was announced on Tuesday during a public inquiry on three key subsidiary legislations — the Licensing Regulations 2019, Enforcement Process Regulations 2019, and the Internet Code of Practice 2019 — held at the NCC headquarters in Abuja.
Addressing participants, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Barrister Rimini Makama, said the reforms are essential to addressing emerging threats and ensuring that Nigeria’s fast-evolving communications landscape remains secure and innovation-friendly.
“The updated Enforcement Process Regulations will provide a transparent and accountable framework for compliance monitoring, investigation, and sanctions,” Dr. Maida said, describing pre-registered SIM cards and call masking as persistent threats to national security and operator revenue.
He explained that the revised Licensing Regulations will better reflect current market realities by accommodating technological advancements, streamlining licensing processes, and promoting innovation.
“The revisions introduce provisions on general authorisations, license renewals, corporate restructuring, and sanctions to encourage innovation and improve ease of doing business,” he added.
On the Internet Code of Practice, Maida said the updated document aims to protect user rights, promote open internet access, and ensure that service providers maintain ethical and technical standards. The revised code includes new provisions on cybersecurity, data protection, artificial intelligence governance, child online safety, and anti-spam regulations.
Also speaking at the event, the Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at the NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, represented by Head of Dispute and Litigation, Lawrence Abang, said the regulatory review followed a six-month consultation process involving industry stakeholders.
“The communications industry is undergoing significant transformation in this digital era,” Whyte said. “These amendments reaffirm the Commission’s commitment to inclusive and transparent regulation, strengthen compliance mechanisms, and enhance investor confidence.”
The NCC’s renewed focus on regulatory modernization aligns with its broader goal of building a secure, competitive, and innovation-driven telecom sector, as Nigeria continues to expand its digital infrastructure and transition toward a smarter economy.