We have achieved 100% local production of SIM cards — NCC
By Blessing Emmanuel, Abuja
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a major milestone in the country’s telecommunications sector.
Speaking at a training session for media executives in Lagos the NCC revealed that it has achieved 100 percent local production of SIM cards.
Responding to an enquiry on behalf of the Commission during a Q&A session, Babagana Digma, said that, “Some of the licensed operators we have today came to us as local or national players, requesting consideration.”
“The NCC Act, sections 1D to F, outlines our functions to encourage indigenous ownership of telecommunications companies, research and development for indigenously driven local content in the Nigerian telecommunications sector.”
Digma, who led the Commission’s Nigeria Office for Developing the Indigenous Telecom Sector (NODITS) for two years, highlighted the commission’s efforts in promoting indigenous manufacturing.
“Aside from advocacy, we have directly encouraged companies by providing grants and incentives. For example, we are currently sponsoring the manufacture of Corrugated Optical Dots (COD), which will be the first of its kind in Africa.
“Two years ago, Nigeria relied almost entirely on imported SIM cards. However, the establishment of NORDIS has transformed the industry.
“Prior to two years ago, almost 99 or 100 percent of SIM cards were imported,” Digma said.
“Since NODITS came, we have established about five to six SIM card manufacturing companies and directed all vendors to source their SIM cards locally. In fact, as of now, 100 percent of all SIM cards in Nigeria are being manufactured locally. There has been no importation of SIM cards for the past two years.
“These advancements underscore the NCC’s commitment to developing the indigenous telecommunications sector. “NORDIS Nigeria is working in the background to ensure the development of our local telecommunications industry,” Digma concluded.
This achievement is a significant step toward enhancing Nigeria’s technological self-sufficiency and economic growth, positioning the nation as a leader in Africa’s telecommunications landscape.
