The Commission said telecom users would be responsible for any crime committed with their SIM cards or phones if they share such with anybody.
NCC Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mr. Efeosa Edehen revealed this in Abuja, at a consumer conversation event organized by the Commission to enlighten consumers.
The theme of the event was: “Know your rights and obligations as a telecom consumer”.
According to Edehen, consumers must jealously protect their devices so they don’t fall into the hands of wrong people who would use them to commit crimes, noting that such would later be traced to the owner of the device’s NIN or SIM card.
He said, “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 texts, or use social media.
“Your phone carries your identity and 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 Identity Number (NIN) and to ensure your NIN is linked to your SIM cards.”
On consumers’ right, Edehen said;
“Consumers have the right to receive clear and complete terms and conditions for a 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 labeling.
“The Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA Act 2003) and Consumer Code of Practice & Regulations 2007 (CCPR 2007) ensure 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 of call masking and call retailing in the board; 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 the internet by saying;
“Ask how your children use the internet. Make them show you some of their favorite sites and discuss with them, make them aware that there are things on the internet that may upset them and that they can always talk to you or any trusted adult.
“Make sure your child realizes that they should never give out personal details: such as names, addresses, school names, and telephone numbers to online friends they do not know,” he stressed.
