Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a renewed crackdown on the sale and use of pre-registered SIM cards as part of reforms to strengthen compliance, licensing, and internet governance in the country’s telecom sector.

Speaking at the Public Inquiry on three subsidiary legislations, the Licensing Regulations 2019, Enforcement Process Regulations 2019, and Internet Code of Practice 2019, held in Abuja yesterday, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, said the review was critical to addressing emerging challenges in the fast-evolving communications landscape.

Represented by the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, Maida explained that the Enforcement Process Regulations have been updated to provide a transparent and accountable framework for compliance monitoring, investigation, and sanctions.

He noted that the revised framework would help to tackle persistent regulatory breaches, particularly the sale of pre-registered SIM cards and the practice of call masking and refilling, which he described as threats to national security and operator revenue.

The EVC emphasised that the measures would also help reinforce public trust in the Commission’s oversight role. Maida also stated that the Licensing Regulations, another key focus of the review, were being refined to accommodate new technological advancements and streamline business processes. He said the revisions introduce provisions on general authorisations, licence renewals, corporate restructuring, and sanctions to encourage innovation and improve ease of doing business.

In her remarks, the Head of Legal and Regulatory Services, NCC, Chizua Whyte, represented by the Head of Dispute and Litigation, Lawrence Abang, said the review followed a six-month consultation process and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to inclusive and transparent regulation.