The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecommunications companies in the country to suspend the sales and reactivation of new SIM cards.
The Director, Public Affairs at NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, in a statement on Wednesday, said it was absolutely necessary for operators to comply until the audit exercise had been concluded, Punch reports.
According to him, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, directed the commission to embark on an audit of the Subscriber Registration Database.
He, however, said an exemption might be granted following approval from the Federal Government through the commission.
He warned that non-compliance with the directive would be met with strict sanctions, including the possibility of withdrawal of operating license.