The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given reasons why as part of its regulatory roles, it has always advocated for what it described as responsible use of the Internet.
According to the telecom regulator, its advocacy for the responsible use of the technologies, especially the Internet is hinged on its drive to help address the country’s socio-economic, cultural and national security challenges.
Giving a goodwill message at the ‘Quarterly Public Lecture of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) yesterday, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, noted that aside from driving ubiquitous access to telecoms services, NCC takes it upon itself to constantly educate consumers of telecoms services on responsible use of ICT resources for promoting development and engendering national unity.
The NCC’s Boss, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Mrs. Grace Ojougboh, added that this advocacy resonates with NICO’s primary responsibility of harnessing Nigeria’s cultural resources to meet the challenges of social integration, peace, unity and national development.
“We at NCC recognizes the power of telecommunications in leapfrogging our national development in these important respects. This is the reason the Commission accords priority to strategic objectives in its regulatory mandate by promoting responsible use of the Internet,” he said.
In line with this advocacy, NCC ensures proper registration of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards while also ensuring the ongoing implementation of the Ministerial Directive on the linkage of SIM and National Identity Number (NIN) data in order to ensure credible citizens’ database.
This, it believes will enhance efforts at curbing criminal activities such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping while boosting confidence in economic transactions.