NCC refutes claims on data depletion on mobile networks
Joy Agwunobi
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has refuted allegations of widespread data depletion on mobile networks across the country, following the completion of its recent telecom service audit.
Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman of the NCC, disclosed this while providing an overview of the Commission’s activities for 2024. According to him, the audit, finalised in the third quarter, did not uncover any substantial issues related to data depletion, contrary to concerns raised by subscribers. Instead, the findings revealed only minor network discrepancies, which the NCC is addressing in collaboration with telecom operators.
Maida explained, “We hypothesised that the perceived data depletion issues might be a matter of perception rather than reality. To test this, we immediately conducted a comprehensive billing audit of the major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) using independent, reputable auditors. The audit, completed in Q3, showed no significant problems.”
Another significant achievement highlighted by Maida was the successful execution of the federal government’s policy mandating the linkage of National Identification Numbers (NIN) to SIM cards.
He emphasised that this initiative is a transformative step for both national security and the digital economy. With the process now concluded, every active SIM card in Nigeria is linked to a verified NIN, creating a robust security framework for the telecom sector.
“This linkage allows the NCC to work seamlessly with law enforcement agencies, ensuring accurate identification of SIM card owners,” Maida noted. He also stressed that the initiative strengthens the foundation for Nigeria’s digital economy, fostering greater trust in digital transactions.
“Today, nearly every transaction be it e-commerce, educational registrations like JAMB, or customer service interactions rely on mobile numbers,” he explained, adding that “The ability to reliably identify individuals builds confidence and integrity in the system, creating a strong base for the country’s digital economic growth.”