Featured
NCC worries over fraudulent SIM registrations
Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, in March 2011 issued directives to telecom service providers to commence Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards registration nationwide.
A total of N6.1billion approved by the National Assembly was earmarked for the exercise which initially had a six months deadline from the date of commencement.
Subscribers were mandated to provide national identity card, international passport, driver’s licence or authentication letter with passport photograph signed by traditional ruler/community leader in the case of rural dwellers.
Biometric information and digital photograph were also part of subscriber information required in order to ensure proper data capturing and building of reliable data.
The exercise was equally made to be free for all subscribers because of its importance to national security. At the end of the initial deadline, it was discovered that a lot of improperly registered, unregistered and pre-registered SIM cards, characterised the exercise.
Worried by this development, the Commission in 2017 set up a 12-member committee to tackle the problem, and vowed that the menace will no longer be tolerated.
The commission based on the report of the committee fined some operators found to have either deliberately flouted the registration principles or refused to correct their mistakes when informed.
However, even with all these measures and other warnings, the commission says many agents still fraudulently violate the SIM card registration rules, till date, thereby aggravating the security situation in the country. U.S. to work with Nigeria to achieve prosperity – Consul General. Therefore, the Commission recently organised a one-day sensitization workshop on the dangers of using fraudulently activated SIM cards, in Keffi, Nasarawa state.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof Umar Danbatta, who was represented by the director Stakeholder Management, Mr Efosa Idehen, in his opening remarks said the objective of the workshop was to discuss and resolve the challenges leading to non-compliance with the instruments of SIM registration.
He stated that the availability of improperly registered SIMs in any corner of Nigeria is a threat to the security of the country.
He noted that such SIMs aid financial crimes whose victims are mainly hardworking citizens of the country even as they frustrate the activities of law enforcement agencies in trying to apprehend major criminals. Idehen said NCC will try as much as possible to implement the rules that are available to it in dealing with defaulters.
He said: “This issue of getting a Sim card and insisting on registering it immediately was not envisaged.
It was intended to be activated for 30 days, so within that time, a user will have had time to register his or her line. But we found out operators were violating the rules by fully activating the lines. That was why we resorted to having it registered before use” he added.
Featured
Delta North 2027: Between Legacy and Renewal- Why Victor Ochei Represents The Future
By Austin Edemodu, PhD
The emerging political discourse surrounding the 2027 Delta North Senatorial contest raises a fundamental question about leadership, succession, and the moral obligations of those who have long occupied the public space.
Recent reports suggesting that Ifeanyi Okowa has “accepted” calls by stakeholders to re-enter the senatorial race have, understandably, stirred both interest and concern across the district.To be clear, every Nigerian, including Dr. Okowa, is constitutionally entitled to seek elective office.
However, beyond legality lies a more compelling question; one of equity, fairness, and the sustainability of democratic culture.
Should the political space continually revolve around a single individual who has, by all standards, had an extensive and privileged run in public service?
Dr. Okowa’s political résumé is both rich and undeniable. From his early days as Secretary to Ika North East Local Government, to his roles as Commissioner in multiple strategic ministries, Secretary to the State Government, Senator, and ultimately Governor of Delta State for two consecutive terms, he has occupied some of the most influential offices available within the state and beyond.
His trajectory reflects not just ambition, but opportunity; opportunity that many equally capable individuals have not been afforded.
It is precisely within this context that his reported return to the senatorial contest raises legitimate concerns. At what point does experience give way to overreach?
When does political continuity begin to resemble stagnation? And perhaps more importantly, what message does this send to a new generation of leaders waiting in the wings?
Democracy thrives not merely on participation, but on renewal. It depends on the deliberate cultivation of successors, the encouragement of fresh ideas, and the willingness of established figures to step aside in the interest of broader inclusion.
A system that recycles leadership without fostering transition risks alienating its most vibrant and innovative minds.
This is where the candidacy of Rt Hon. Victor Ochei becomes not only relevant but compelling.
A former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Ochei embodies a blend of legislative experience, administrative competence, and grassroots connection. His career has been defined not by political dominance, but by service across multiple sectors. As an engineer, lawyer, and public servant, his intellectual depth is matched by practical engagement.
His tenure in the state legislature was marked by strategic empowerment initiatives and a demonstrable commitment to constituency development.
Beyond the legislature, his role at NIMASA and his current position as President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation further underscore a capacity for leadership that transcends politics. These experiences have equipped him with a national outlook and administrative discipline, qualities essential for effective representation at the Senate.
Yet, perhaps Ochei’s most distinguishing attribute is his accessibility. In an era where political office is often perceived as distant and elitist, he has maintained an open-door philosophy that resonates with ordinary citizens.
His appeal among youths, women, and grassroots communities is not incidental; it is the product of consistent engagement and inclusive leadership.
The argument, therefore, is not merely about replacing one individual with another. It is about redefining the political trajectory of Delta North. It is about choosing between continuity that risks entrenchment and renewal that promises expansion.
This is not to diminish the contributions of Dr. Okowa, but to recognize that leadership must, at some point, evolve beyond individual dominance.
The future of Delta North cannot be built on the foundations of perpetual recycling. It must be anchored on deliberate transition, generational inclusion, and visionary representation.
As 2027 approaches, the people of Delta North are presented with a choice that goes beyond personalities. It is a choice between the comfort of the familiar and the promise of the possible.
In Victor Ochei lies a candidacy that reflects not just competence, but the urgency of a new direction.
History will not merely remember who held power, but who had the courage to pass the torch.q
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News1 year agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
