Telecom
ANALYSIS: SIMs/NINs Directive: Time to Rescue Telecoms Industry
By Vanguard Newspaper
The directive last week by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy that the National Identity Number, NIN, has become mandatory for a subscriber to carry a mobile phone is not only a slap on the faces of Nigerians already going through very troubled times but a plain manifestation that arbitrariness is being elevated to the dizzy heights of national policy.
Operators have been given only two weeks to comply and ensure that over 190m subscribers on their networks are properly registered. Or your operating license withdrawn.
We view this as a death sentence for the telecommunications industry, and some experts cautioned last week that a reversal of industry fortunes has been set afoot by an obnoxious official proclamation.
One operator moaned that the regulator wants to wipe out at least more than half of the subscriber base of the industry.
We agree that times are desperate in Nigeria, very desperate. Whole mass of students are spirited away from school and they reappear after a whole week in the den of criminals. Road travel has become a nightmare for the ordinary and the mighty ones. Bandits have taken over the roads and the farms.
Quite unfortunately even for the rich, air travel is beyond the reach of those who used to fly except the hedonists who steal the people’s money for plain pleasure.
According to figures from the National Population Commission, NPC, very bizarre decisions are being taken to rubbish the collective intelligence of a nation and expose the citizenry to ridicule before the international community.
So, using failure in security as pressure point, the ministry under the grip of Dr. Isa Pantami has given a directive capable of destroying the entire communications industry except common sense prevails.
The December 15, 2020, statement signed by Public Affairs Director, Dr. Ikechuckwu Adinde, which affirmed earlier directive for operators to totally suspend registration of new SIMs, stated among others: “Operators to require all their subscribers to provide valid National Identification Number, NIN, to update SIM registration records; The submission of NIN by subscribers to take place within two weeks (from today, December 16, 2020 and end by December 30, 2020).
After the deadline, all SIMs without NINs are to be blocked from the networks.” While conceding the pervasive security challenges, there has been outrage across the land; understandably, by subscribers who feel that apart from the suffering that has worsened more because of COVID-19, a major inconvenience is being added to their burden.
Recall that the country’s economy has gone into recession again and is not expected to recover until late 2021, a development that is forcing more Nigerians to fall into the poverty pit.
Vanguard immediately reached out to a powerful industry source to ask if the directive could be executed in two weeks. The answer was an emphatic NO. We also reached out to a source in the regulatory institution. Is this what should have been done? The answer again was NO. Let’s try to unwrap the intricacies of the unfolding story.
The SIM Card registration regime started in 2011. The exercise was carried out simultaneously by licensed agents of the NCC and the mobile operators. NCC was to warehouse the data. An understanding at the time was that, because of the sensitive nature of personal data, all data will be handed over to the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, whose responsibility it is to manage the National Identity Database.
Till date the progress recorded in that area opens windows to speculations and recriminations. It is interesting to point out here that NIMC was established in 2007. In all the years of existence, the organisation has succeeded in registering only 43.6m! So what magic wand will it wave to accomplish the act in two weeks?
According to figures gleaned from the NCC website, there were 207,954,737 subscribers on the four mobile networks of MTN, Airtel, GLO and 9Mobile by October 2020. An industry source told Vanguard last week that of this figure, about 120m are unique subscribers, discounting double registration of mobile numbers, while the rest could be used in personal internet modems, sectors like banking, vehicle tracking and other sectors where mobile communications have become very handy. There has to be a way to capture these numbers and this cannot be enforced overnight.
Matching the 120m subscriber figure with their NINs is a nightmare which will rubbish the two-week window. For the journey to start at all, all the companies being licensed by NIMC, one expert explained, will have to source for their equipment and get them certified by NIMC before procurement and purchases can take place. To make any meaningful impact immediately, the industry may need at least 250,000 of those machines which are not manufactured here.
Moreover, the NIMC machines are not what are easily sourced in the open market. They are called the 442 machines because they can take four fingers at a go and take the remaining two fingers once. They are more robust than the SIM Card registration machines which can take only two fingers at a time.
The source told Vanguard that this is a logistics nightmare that can hardly be afforded by some of the companies being recruited by NIMC at the moment.
Industry observers are of the opinion that the President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly should put a leash on the minister before he totally destroys the telecommunications industry.
In attendance at the meeting that had to do purely with the regulation of the industry were the CEOs of NCC, the National Information Development Agency, NITDA, and NIMC.
At least one operator told Vanguard they were never at the meeting; instead the minister is taking all the decisions which he is shoving down their throat, thus increasing the fear that the regulator is increasingly losing direction and hold on the industry.
Strains of helplessness are already showing. “We don’t know why the Executive Vice Chairman, EVC, is unable to call some meetings. We are not able to sit down to negotiate on anything,” the source lamented.
Those who fear the directive may become a dangerous super spreader of the COVID-19 pandemic may have been proven right when, last week, somewhere in Abuja, an eye witness told Vanguard that some youths who had gathered for two days at one registration spot, suddenly started demonstrating on noticing the near futility of the exercise and how some advantaged personalities were bending all the rules to favour a few.
The desperation to register will obviously rubbish the PTF recommendation on social distancing in a season of pandemic. Meanwhile, more trouble looms for the industry.
A knowledgeable industry source told Vanguard that, if not properly managed, the directive could destroy half the base of the industry, stymie revenue and investment, and lead to massive job losses.
But all these could pale into insignificance if the minister ever executes his growing threats that “violations of this directive will be met by stiff sanctions, including the possibility of withdrawal of operating license.”
This is hardly the way to speak to organisations that have invested heavily in your economy.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has urged for the development of a more comprehensive framework for tracking investments in the telecommunications sector, saying current capital importation data does not fully reflect the level of investment being made by operators.
The association made the call while reacting to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Q1 2026 Capital Importation Report, which showed a decline in foreign capital inflows into the telecommunications sector from $80.78 million in 2025 to $7.24 million in the first quarter of 2026.
In a statement jointly signed by Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, ALTON Chairman, the association commended the NBS for its efforts in tracking investment flows across key sectors of the economy, but stressed the need for a broader assessment of investments within the telecom industry.
According to ALTON, while foreign capital inflows have declined, telecommunications operators continue to make substantial investments in network infrastructure, technology upgrades and operational expansion through domestic funding sources and reinvested earnings.
The association also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the 50 per cent tariff increase approved in 2025, describing the policy as a critical intervention that helped stabilise the sector during a difficult period.
ALTON said the tariff adjustment addressed revenue sustainability challenges, restored operational viability and enabled operators to shift from financial distress to a growth-oriented model characterised by increased capital reinvestment.
“The timely intervention enabled operators to transition from financial distress to a sustainable, growth-focused model characterised by significant capital reinvestment,” the statement noted.
Providing insight into the sector’s investment profile, ALTON disclosed that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), tower companies and other industry players invested a total of ₦2.13 trillion in capital expenditure (CAPEX) in 2025. It added that operators have earmarked another ₦1.86 trillion for capital projects in 2026.
The planned investments, according to the association, will support network expansion, technology enhancement and other critical infrastructure projects aimed at improving service quality and coverage nationwide.
ALTON argued that the disparity between reported foreign capital inflows and actual capital expenditure points to a gap in the way sectoral investments are currently measured and reported.
It noted that a significant portion of telecom sector investments now comes from domestic capital sources and reinvested operational earnings, which may not be adequately captured under existing foreign capital importation metrics.
To address this challenge, the association proposed a collaborative engagement involving the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to develop a more inclusive investment-tracking framework.
According to ALTON, a transparent and comprehensive investment reporting system would provide a more accurate picture of the sector’s contribution to the economy, strengthen investor confidence and enhance Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for telecommunications investment.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to working with regulators and government agencies to ensure the sector’s contributions to national development are properly documented and recognized.
ALTON also assured Nigerians that telecommunications operators remain committed to continuous investments in network expansion, modernisation, resilience and service quality improvement.
It added that sustained collaboration among government, regulators and industry stakeholders would ensure uninterrupted access to digital services that drive economic growth, innovation, financial inclusion and national development.
QNET, a global wellness and lifestyle-focused direct selling company, has taken note of media reports regarding the recent operation by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Lagos State, which led to the rescue of several individuals and the arrest of suspects allegedly involved in human trafficking, unlawful detention, and fraudulent activities.
QNET
QNET unequivocally condemns all forms of human trafficking, fraud, exploitation, unlawful detention, and other criminal acts. We commend the NSCDC for its swift intervention and for prioritising the safety and welfare of those affected.
While investigations are ongoing, QNET wishes to state clearly that it does not offer employment opportunities, overseas job placements, visas, migration services, or guaranteed financial returns in exchange for payment. Any individual or group making such representations is acting without the knowledge, authorization, or consent of the company.
Commenting on the incident, Biram Fall, Regional General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at QNET, said: “Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this unfortunate situation.
“We wish to reiterate that QNET does not offer jobs, overseas employment opportunities, visa services, or financial guarantees in exchange for payment. These are among the most common tactics used by fraudsters to exploit vulnerable individuals.
“We encourage the public to remain vigilant, verify information through our official channels, and report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. Protecting the public and safeguarding the integrity of our brand remain top priorities for QNET.”
QNET maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards fraud, misrepresentation, and unethical conduct. The company actively enforces its Code of Ethics and Compliance Framework and takes disciplinary action against any Independent Distributor found to be in breach of its policies.
Since commencing operations in Nigeria through its local partner, Transblue Limited, in 2022, QNET has intensified its collaboration with government institutions, consumer protection agencies, law enforcement bodies, and the media to combat scams and misinformation associated with its brand.
These efforts include the launch of the “Say NO!” Anti-Fraud Campaign in November 2023, as well as strategic partnerships with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Beyond Nigeria, similar initiatives have been implemented in Ghana, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Sierra Leone under the broader QNET Against Scams campaign.
These programmes are designed to educate communities on how to identify legitimate business opportunities, recognise common scam tactics, and avoid becoming victims of fraudulent schemes perpetrated in the company’s name.
QNET remains committed to working alongside governments, regulators, law enforcement agencies, media organisations, and civil society groups to combat fraud, protect consumers, and promote ethical entrepreneurship across Africa.
Members of the public are encouraged to verify information about QNET, its products, and its business model through the company’s official website, www.qnet.net.
Individuals who encounter suspicious recruitment activities, fraudulent job offers, visa schemes, or any misuse of the QNET name are urged to report such incidents through QNET’s compliance and integrity channels.
Suspected cases may be reported via WhatsApp on +233 2566 30005 or by email at [email protected]. All reports are handled confidentially and investigated in accordance with QNET’s compliance procedures.
For more information about QNET and its anti-fraud initiatives, visit www.qnet.net.
About 85 global medical professionals, scientists and policymakers participating in the “Science of Defeating Malaria”, leadership development course and initiative from Harvard University, USA, have commended the establishment of NASENI-TROMENT Biotechnologies factory as pivotal to eradicating malaria and infectious diseases in Nigeria and Africa.
While touring the multi-million dollars NASENI-TROMENT Biotechnologies factory on Sunday, June 7, 2027, the team impressed by the facility for the production of PCR kits and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), said it was a good move to establish 100 per cent Nigerian-owned diagnostic brand.
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, NASENT-TROMENT Biotechnologies, Mr. Selim Hani, in a presentation stated that the factory is a strategic partnership between the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Troment Nigeria Limited aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare sovereignty through local production of diagnostic technologies.
“This facility built from ground zero in the last 18 months, focuses on manufacturing of RDTs and in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) products, enabling early detection of major infectious and public health diseases. Diagnostic test kits under the N-CheckUP brand will be produced to test Malaria, Hepatitis B & C, HIV ½, Pregnancy, COVID-19 Antigen, Typhoid, Syphilis, Blood Glucose among others.
“It is designed to produce 600 million diagnostic kits per year. It will reduce Nigeria’s (and West Africa) reliance on imported medical diagnostics while improving accessibility and affordability of across the country and the African region,” he added.
Technical Partner, NASENI-Troment Biotechnologies, Dr. Engin Narinc, said “this facility is Africa’s first fully localized Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kit factory. From concept to full-scale launch, our end-to-end production process is designed to deliver world-calss diagnostic solutions built entirely in Africa, for Africa.”
Team lead, Science of Defeating Malaria Initiative, Professor Dyann F. Wirth, Harvard University, USA, and one of the world’s leading malariologists, led the team on a tour of the various sections of the factory. She said “this is an amazing facility that would add value to the eradication of malaria and other public health disease in Nigeria and the continent.”
The visiting Science of Defeating Malaria leadership development course and initiative is currently holding its programme from June 7-13, 2026, in Abuja, Nigeria. It trains global health professionals, scientists, and policymakers to eliminate and eradicate malaria.
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