NCC cautions Nigerians against sharing NIN, SIM

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has warmed telecom consumers not to share their phones, National Identity Number, NIN and SIM card with others since they will be held liable for any crime committed with the SIM.

Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau of the Commission, Mr Efeosa Edehen, stated this in Abuja at a consumer conversation event organised by the NCC to enlighten consumers with the theme “Know your rights and obligations as a telecom consumer”.

He said Nigerians must be extremely careful with their devices so they don’t fall into the hands of wrong people who would use them to commit the crime and later it would be traced to the owner of the device, NIN or SIM card.

“Do not help other people to link their SIM cards with your NIN Handle your phone with care, be careful how you give your 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 offence 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,” he emphasised.

Edehen further said, “Consumers have the right to receive clear and complete terms and conditions for a service agreement and disclosures of price for goods and services and 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 or advertisement or labelling.”

According to him, “The Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA Act 2003) and Consumer Code of Practice & Regulations 2007 (CCPR 2007) ensure that service Providers deal reasonably with the consumers by providing them with information on their service that is complete, accurate, and up to date and in simple and clear language.

“The Commission plays a vital role in National Security and works very closely with the ONSA, Security Agencies, CBN, MNO’s and other relevant bodies at ensuring security in the use of the telecom network. Also, worthy of mentioning is the Commission’s proactive intervention in nipping the cases of call masking and call Sim boxing in the bud; working with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the administration has taken drastic actions to identify culprit licensees and sanction them accordingly,” he said.

He also used the opportunity to enlighten parents and guardians on how to teach their children/wards on the proper use of the internet.

He said, “Ask how your children use the internet. Make them show you some of their favourite sites and discuss with them, make them aware that there are things on the internet which may upset them and that they can always talk to you or any trusted adult.

“Make sure your child realises that they should never give out personal details: such as names, address, school names, and telephone numbers to online friends they do not know,” he advised.