The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has blocked access for around 2.2 million SIM cards which were incompletely or inaccurately registered.
The regulator’s Executive Vice Chairman Umar Danbatta said: “By our records, all improperly registered SIM cards across mobile network operators in Nigeria have been completely deactivated.”
“The commission’s effort in this regard is in line with one of the key agendas of President Muhammadu Buhari to strengthen the security of lives and property for all Nigerians.”
In September last year, a ministerial directive aimed at cracking down on unregistered SIMs came into force. With the goal of increasing security, the new legislation led to a nationwide audit of SIMs in order to purge inaccurately registered cards.