03 January 2020

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has ordered telecom operators to monitor and record all communications that pass through their networks, in a bid to curb rising security risks, especially offences involving kidnappings. 

Nigeria’s independent regulatory authority for the telecom industry in the west African country warned that telecom operators that fail to monitor and keep records of calls and communications passing through their networks would be fined.

In addition, the NCC said that all the operators would be expected to have the records to hand and be ready to submit them to security agencies should the need arise.

Failure to do so would result in severe disciplinary action in the form of fines and they could even have their licences revoked under the provisions of section 45 of the NCC Act.

The NCC added that it would not pay for any equipment as it had already ordered the operators to acquire the facilities needed to monitor calls at their own cost.

Meanwhile, the Senate confirmed the nomination of Adeleke Adewolu, the nominee from South West, as executive commissioner of the NCC.

The confirmation followed the consideration by the apex legislative chamber of the report of its Committee on Communications.

Presenting the report at Plenary, the chairman, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, (APC, Lagos) said  Adewolu’s antecedents and competency had been scrutinised and found worthy to serve as executive commissioner.

If chosen, Adewolu would replace the former NCC commissioner representing South West, Sunday Dare, on the NCC board.