Telecom
Active Unregistered SIM Cards Again!

Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) needs no introduction as it remains one of the most vibrant government agencies since its establishment by an act of the parliament.
The Commission deserves every accolade, awards and/or commendations it has received in the recent past, especially in keeping faith with regulatory requirements in the telecoms sector.
NCC has scored major points in championing corporate governance, consumer protections drives; pursing agenda to attracting foreign investments, most importantly, carrying stakeholders along in its policy thrusts. The Commission has earned reputation as one of the most active telecoms regulators in Africa and competes favourably at the world stage.
But, two giants that have kept the NCC and telecoms network operators, in the boxing ring for a long time now are: unstable quality of service with the attendant issues like unsolicited SMS, voice call drops, data depilation, etc. The other factor which is even more fearsome is the unregistered SIM cards; a fight against illegality perpetuated by some individuals and companies to thwart the national security drives through SIM cards registration.
I am making reference to a Daily Trust report on Tuesday this week that some mobile phone SIM card traders in Nigeria are still selling lines without registering the supposed owners, fuelling telecommunications violations and criminality.
At a time like this, all hands ought to be on deck to fight the growing rate of criminals: terrorists, kidnappers, militants, armed robbers, cyber traitors; some are still playing to the gallery through shoddy business deals. Apparently, unhealthy competition leads to this kind of grubby practice, because we seem to care more about “how many subscribers are on my network” as against “how satisfied my current subscribers are”.
Yes, there are technologies today to detect one’s location once the Sim is ‘alive’ and the mobile phone is switched on, however, to reflect a security conscious nation and an industry with an understanding of the ‘dynamites of data’ in its possession, the sim cards registration process must not be sabotaged. After all, billions of Naira was appropriated to pursue this project.
Though, Mr Sonny Aragba-Akpore, NCC’s head of media said it was not true that unregistered SIM cards were sold in the open market, because the Commission had already warned operators of severe sanctions if any of them was found contravening the SIM registration directive.
Well, information may still be scanty as to how the vendors secure the lines, but like Deolu Ogunbanjo, president, National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) said NCC and Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) members especially the ‘big four’- MTN, Glo, Airtel and Etisalat must as a matter or urgency investigate their agents and sanction them appropriately.
Remember, MTN Group is still nursing the wound of a mega fine imposed on it by NCC on MTN Nigeria for failure to disconnect over five million subscribers on its network.
In many countries around the world, consumers can buy prepaid or ‘Pay As You Go’ mobile SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards from retail outlets usually with little or no paperwork involved. Unlike pay-monthly mobile SIM contracts, the activation and use of prepaid SIM cards does not always require the customer to register or present any identity documents at the point of sale. In countries where prepaid SIM registration is not required, mobile users can access mobile services more easily, but can also voluntarily register with their mobile network operator (MNO) in order to use additional services that require identification, such as mobile banking.
User education/campaign is key also. Therefore, NCC and the operators should not relent on stead; for instance a whitepaper published by the GSMA in November 2013 on “The Mandatory Registration of Prepaid SIM Card Users”, clearly it was observed through an analysis of case studies and media reports in countries where mandatory registration of prepaid SIM users has been introduced shows that such a policy may also lead to unintended negative consequences including: “loss of access to communications services when mobile users’ SIM cards are deactivated (sometimes without warning) due to failure to register by a required deadline.
Such failure may be caused by factors beyond users’ control, for example the fact that they live far from a registration centre, lack any formal identity documents, or were not made aware of the need to register and the relevant deadline; “Restriction of consumers’ accessibility to mobile communications by limiting the locations where new prepaid SIM cards can be purchased”.
Like the whitepaper also observed, NCC and operators must not keep security operatives at arms-length because of expected emergence of black markets for “fraudulently-registered or stolen SIM cards”.
Why user education is critical is that in today’s world of data insecurity, most Nigerians/mobile users are concerned over their privacy and freedom of speech, particularly in the absence of any national laws on data protection.
So before another round of sanctions with heavy finds and the disproportionate cost burdens begin to roll on mobile operators, which could impact their ability to invest in new innovative services and in network infrastructure, particularly in remote and rural areas, lets curb these odd incidences to the barest minimum.
CFA is the founder of www.techsmart.ngand co-producer/presenter of Tech Trends on Channels TV
Telecom
Konga Launches ‘Berekete Sales’ with Up to 50% Discounts Across Major Categories

Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce platform, Konga, has announced the launch of its highly anticipated Berekete Sales, a nationwide promotional campaign designed to deliver exceptional value to customers across key product categories.

Konga Berekete
The initiative reinforces Konga’s commitment to affordability, accessibility, and innovation while strengthening its position as a trusted retail partner for millions of Nigerians.
The Berekete Sales campaign features discounts of up to 50% on high-demand categories including Home and Kitchen, Computing, Electronics, Beauty, and Personal Care.
Carefully curated to meet both everyday and aspirational needs, the campaign comes at a strategic period that coincides with Ramadan, Lent, and the approaching Eid al-Fitr celebrations, seasons traditionally associated with reflection, generosity, and family-oriented spending.
Speaking on the campaign, Victor Olaleye, Konga Group Head of Marketing, emphasised that the Berekete Sales initiative reflects the company’s understanding of the economic climate and the importance of value-driven retail experiences. “Berekete Sales is about delivering abundance in savings to our customers,” he stated.
“We recognise that this period is significant for many households observing Ramadan and Lent, and we want to ensure they can access premium products at competitive prices.
“Our goal remains to make quality products accessible while maintaining the seamless shopping experience Konga is known for.”
Among the standout offers is a special deal on the Starlink Gen 3 kit, now available at ₦550,000, reduced from its regular price of ₦590,000.
As the authorised distributor, Konga continues to provide customers with reliable access to the high-speed satellite internet solution, further strengthening connectivity options in Nigeria.
Activation services are available in select cities, ensuring a smooth transition to enhanced internet performance.
In addition, technology enthusiasts can take advantage of an exclusive offer on the Huawei Watch 3, with a special promotion that allows customers to receive two units for the price of one at ₦200,000.
This offer underscores Konga’s strategy of delivering premium lifestyle products with unmatched value.
The Berekete Sales campaign also extends to computing solutions, with attractive deals on ASUS laptops, catering to professionals, students, and businesses seeking performance-driven devices at competitive prices.
Furthermore, customers can pre-order the new Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra on Konga and receive gift items worth over ₦500,000 from Samsung, a compelling incentive for early adopters and technology enthusiasts.
By aligning its promotional calendar with key religious seasons, Konga demonstrates cultural awareness while providing practical solutions for customers during Ramadan, Lenten observances, and Eid celebrations.
The campaign ensures that households can upgrade their living spaces, enhance productivity, and invest in quality lifestyle products without straining their budgets.
Beyond the discounts, Konga’s integrated ecosystem, spanning secure payment solutions, nationwide logistics, and reliable customer support, ensures a seamless shopping journey from browsing to delivery.
This operational strength continues to differentiate the brand within Nigeria’s competitive e-commerce landscape.
As consumer expectations evolve, Konga remains focused on delivering not just products but complete retail experiences anchored on trust, transparency, and value. The Berekete Sales campaign is positioned to drive significant traffic, boost sales volumes, and deepen brand loyalty across its growing customer base.
With substantial savings, premium product offerings, and time-sensitive deals, the Berekete Sales As the campaign gains momentum, customers are encouraged to visit Konga.com or any Konga retail store nationwide to take advantage of these limited-time offers.
With its blend of spiritual season sensitivity and high-tech accessibility, Konga continues to set the pace for the future of commerce in Africa.
Telecom
Sunil Bharti Mittal Conferred GSMA Lifetime Achievement Award for Transforming Global Telecommunications

The GSMA has conferred a rare Lifetime Achievement Award on Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, recognising his role in reshaping the global telecommunications landscape and expanding connectivity across operators, governments, businesses and billions of consumers worldwide.

Bestowed on only a handful of industry leaders in the GSMA’s history, the honour recognises contributions that have left an enduring and defining mark on the global communications ecosystem.
The award was presented at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in the distinguished presence of His Majesty Felipe VI, the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, the President of Catalonia, Salvador Illa, and global industry leaders.
A visionary in the telecom sector, Sunil Bharti Mittal has built Bharti Airtel into one of the world’s leading mobile operators, with operations across India and Africa, ranking among the top three globally and serving over half a billion customers.
He pioneered the expansion of mobile services across emerging markets and served as Chairman of the GSMA from 2017 to 2018, where he championed policies that encouraged investment and innovation while strengthening the industry’s commitment to connecting the unconnected and advancing digital inclusion.
He was previously honoured with the GSMA Chairman’s Award in 2008 and again in 2016 for his outstanding contribution to the growth and development of the global mobile industry and was felicitated at Mobile World Congress in February 2019 in recognition of his Chairmanship.
On receiving the award, Sunil Bharti Mittal said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition and sincerely thank the GSMA for this award. I accept it not only as a personal milestone, but as a tribute to India’s telecom journey, the collective spirit of Bharti, and the rise of Indian telecom companies on the global stage.
Equally the award reflects the progress of an industry that has connected billions and belongs to the customers we serve, the teams who built our institutions, and the partners who believe in the transformative power of connectivity.
Telecommunication is a force that expands opportunity, places essential services in the palm of every individual and unlocks human potential. Helping shape its evolution into a powerful accelerator of modern progress has been a privileged responsibility. As innovation accelerates, we will continue to work with our partners & stakeholders to ensure that growth advances equity and creates lasting opportunity for generations to come.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award is a rare honour, bestowed only on select individuals whose leadership and innovation have left an enduring mark on the industry.
Telecom
House Probes Fintech Regulation via Public Hearing on New Commission Bill

House of Representatives is pushing to regulate Nigeria’s fintech sector through a public hearing on “A Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigerian Fintech Regulatory Commission and for Related Matters (HB.2389).”

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas opened the hearing, stressing the need for stakeholder inputs to craft enforceable, constitutional laws addressing regulatory overlaps in digital banking, science, technology, and communications.
Abbas highlighted fintech’s role in Nigeria’s growth via digital payments, blockchain, crowdfunding, and financial inclusion for the unbanked, creating jobs and supporting SMEs under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He warned that lagging regulations cause fragmentation, compliance issues, and investor uncertainty, necessitating a coordinating commission for licensing, supervision, standards, and a level playing field without duplicating bodies like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), SEC, NITDA, or NDIC.
The commission would protect consumers, monitor cybersecurity, ensure data privacy, and promote education while complementing existing regulators.
Committee Chairman Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, overseeing digital banking, banking regulations, science, technology, communications, capital markets, and institutions, called the bill vital for harmonizing oversight amid Nigeria’s rise as Africa’s fintech hub with 430+ firms valued at billions.
Ukpong-Udo emphasized balancing innovation, stability, and coordination to avoid burdens on startups.
Bill sponsor Fuad Kayode Laguda argued the commission would streamline operations currently split among CBN, SEC, NITDA, NOTAP, and FIRS, boosting profitability, user security, and ease of business. He cited 2024-2026 stats: 250-430 firms, $230 billion market projection, $10.6 billion valuation for top nine, and $1.6 billion in mobile transactions.
Fintech stakeholders offered mixed views, with some backing unified regulation and others fearing overlaps with current mandates.
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