The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has warmed telecom consumers to take precautions not to share their phones, National Identity Number (NIN), and SIM cards with others since they would be held responsible for any crime committed with the SIM Cards.
Director Consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC, Mr. Efeosa Edehen stated this at a consumer conversation event organized by the NCC to enlighten consumers with the theme “Know your rights and obligations as a telecom consumer”, Thursday at Garki International Market in Abuja.
NCC said, telecom consumers must be extremely careful with their devices so they don’t fall into the hands of wrong people who would use them to commit 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 text messages, or use social media. Your phone carries your identity, therefore, should be protected and always be with you”.
“Note that you will be responsible for whatever wrong/offense 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
ldentty Number (NIN) and to ensure your NIN is linked to your SIM cards”, he added.
Speaking further he said, “Consumers have the right to receive clear and complete terms and conditions for 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) ensures 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 ot call masking ancall retilling 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 internet by saying, “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 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.
