By Kehinde KOLAWOLE
THE Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has provided detailed answers to questions frequently asked by Nigerians on the National Identification Number (NIN) and Subscribers Identification Module (SIM) linkage. The NCC is the Independent National Regulatory Authority for the telecommunications Industry in Nigeria.
On the basis of this however, these are some of the salient answers provided by the commission.
The Director of Public Affairs (DPA) of the commission, Reuben Muoka give some answers to the following questions👇👇👇👇
QUESTION:
If the NIN-SIM is working, why is the process not utilized to curb kidnappings and such crimes.
MR. MUOKA:
NCC is not a security agency but a regulatory agency for telecoms in Nigeria. However, the NIN-SIM linkage when finalized will aid in the investigative process.
The police attends to the issue of information provision for tracking victims. But if the identity of the victim is not properly registered, then tracking will be difficult. Please note that there have been successful outcomes in utilizing the NIN-SIM linkage despite the fact that the process is still ongoing.
QUESTION:
Downtime across networks and efforts by NCC to improve Quality of Service.
MR. MUOKA:
There is no operator that likes disruptions because they are not making money. Sometimes, things like major fibre cuts during construction or other such issues are beyond what the service providers can handle.
The EVC Dr. Maida has constantly emphasized that Quality of Experience and the consumer is one of his strategic focal points. So the NCC is working closely with service providers to uphold this strategy.
QUESTION:
Delays in the process. Why does government innovation bring hardship?
MR. MUOKA:
This is not different from what is witnessed in many parts of the world. There are several dimensions to such challenges and the level of digtial development in Nigeria should be appreciated and will continue to improve.
QUESTION:
Can the linkage be done digitally without physical visit.
MR. MUOKA:
We cannot do that right now because of discrepancies on NIN or other identity issues.
Of course, this will be possible in the future but at this nascent moment of the process, it is needful that all these issues are cleared up. Subsequently, it can be done digitally.
