The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned all telecom operators, SIM card vendors, retailers and the public to stop selling pre-registered new SIM cards.
A statement from NCC signed yesterday in Abuja by Reuben Muoka, the Head, Media and Public Relations, said that selling pre-registered SIM cards was illegal.
Muoka explained that the act of selling pre-registered new SIM cards to the members of the public by vendors or retailers contravened the regulation on Registration of Phone Subscribers.
Muoka said that such person or persons would be liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment or both, in line with the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, while the commission would hold the network service providers liable when such cards were found to be in use.
He added that the service providers were expected to ensure that new SIM cards were not registered before they were sold to members of the public through their various channels.
He warned that those found to be involved in the illegality would face arrest, detention, investigation, prosecution and sanction in line with the provisions of the Communications Act.
Mooka also warned the public to desist from buying pre-registered SIM cards, as they would also be liable if such a line was in any way connected to any crime or misuse.
“Members of the public are advised to go to their operators to register their new SIM cards. Do not be tempted to buy pre-registered new SIM cards when the registration is free,” he said.
Muoka said that the commission had intensified efforts on creating awareness to educate the public on the need to register their SIM cards before the expiration of the registration exercise on Sept. 28.