NCC has also set May 17, 2023, as the deadline for all mobile networks to fully migrate to HSC.

The use of harmonized shortcodes is aimed at achieving uniformity in common shortcodes across networks. This means that the code for checking airtime balance is the same across all mobile networks for the same function, irrespective of the network a consumer uses.

With the new codes, the telecom consumers using the over 226 million active mobile lines in the country, can now use the same codes to access services across the networks.

The following are the new harmonized codes:

300 to be used as the harmonized code for Call Centre/Help Desk

301 for voice Mail Deposit;

302 for Voice Mail Retrieval;

303 for Borrow Services;

305 for STOP Service;

310 for Check Balance,

311 for Credit Recharge.

312 for Data Plan

321 for Share Services

323 for Data Plan Balance.

996 is now for Verification of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration/NIN-SIM Linkage

2442, is retained for Do-Not-Disturb (DND) unsolicited messaging complaint management,

while the common code, 3232, is also retained for Porting Services, otherwise called Mobile Number Portability.

The old and new harmonized shortcodes will run concurrently up until May 17, 2023, when all networks are expected to have fully migrated to full implementation of the new codes.

The initiative, which is in line with NCC’s regulatory modernization program, is essential to make life much easier for telecom consumers, as it is now easier for Nigerians to memorize single codes for various services across all mobile networks they may be using, thereby improving consumer quality of experience (QoE).

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NLC made the recommendations in a letter signed by NLC’s president, Ayuba Wabba and sent to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The letter dated August 8th, was in response to recommendations made by Nigerian governors in July.

As part of the recommendations, the governors had asked the FG to raise VAT to 15 percent and offer public workers older than 50 years a one-off retirement package to avert the looming economic crisis.

The governors’ proposals were said to be part of coordinated efforts to instil fiscal discipline and prevent the nation from imminent economic collapse.

But NLC said the implementation of the retirement proposal would lead to the sacking of about a quarter of the public sector workforce.

NLC also urged the federal government to “raise taxes across the board for the rich, including increased taxes on luxury goods and lifestyles”.

“Pursuant to this, if state governors strongly believe that age 50 is the problem, we demand that all governors, public office holders and politicians above 50, as a mark of good faith, should immediately step aside. Leading by example would spur public servants to take a cue,” the letter reads.

“While we commend you for your thoughtfulness for a wage increase, the truth of the matter is that given the misfortune that has befallen the Nigerian populace, especially workers with fixed incomes, there is an urgent need for a massive intervention much deeper than the 22 percent. We would recommend a 50 per cent salary review across the board given the realities on the ground.

“These recommendations seek to make the poor pay more taxes while the rich pay little or nothing in clear violation of the well-known norm of the rich paying taxes to cover up for the poor.

“Foreign trips ordinarily serve their useful purposes, but they have been abused by MDAs, especially budgetary-independent agencies such as the CBN, FIRS, NPA, NIMASA, NCC, NITDA and other blue-chips.

“This acts as a big drain on our resources. Accordingly, while we do not canvass for a total ban, there should be some control, a limit to foreign travels. The number should be pegged per year until we have a turn-around.”

The union disagreed with the governors on petrol subsidy removal, saying it “could lead to unintended consequences which we would be better off without.

“Truth is that the little benefit the average person in Nigeria enjoys could lead to unintended consequences which we would be better off without,” it said.

“The solution to subsidy and the ballooning deficits lies in domestic refining, effective management of our refineries, and creating an enabling environment for effective and efficient public sector leadership in the building and management of local refineries.”

“We do concede that a quick and enforceable resolution of the conflicts around ownership of gas in various entities is key to freeing up investment space for foreign direct investment and local businesses in the country.

“Sadly, prolonged inter-agency fighting has become a familiar feature of your government. You would need to put your foot down pending the paperwork.”

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NCC disclosed this in its new draft for ‘Business Rules and Operational Processes for Implementation of the National Policy for SIM activation, Replacement, and Other Key Telecommunications Operational Processes.’

The draft read, “SIM activations for foreigners exempted from enrolling for NIN shall be configured for a period of six months in the first instance and can be renewed further upon request and where the visa is not for a stay of two years and above.”

NCC added that Foreigners validly transiting through Nigeria or are employed in or reside in Nigeria for less than 24 months are exempted from the mandatory use of the NIN requirement.

The draft stressed that “Persons in this category need to provide justification that they will be residing in Nigeria for less than two years.”

NCC stated that failure to request for SIM activation at the end of the six-month period for such Foreigner will lead to SIM deactivation.

It further stated that foreigners residing in the country for more than two years are required to register for NIN and also register their SIMs fully.

According to the draft, “NIN is mandatory for foreigners with legal residency status or those living in Nigeria for two years and above. For those who do not already have a NIN, mobile network operators shall capture the resident’s details for NIN issuance as part of the NIN enrolment process, upon presentation of resident’s permits.”

According to the Revised National Identity Policy for SIM Card Registration, foreigners not staying in Nigeria for up to two years do not need a NIN to register SIM cards.

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In a statement by NCC’s Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde directed immediate suspension by Mobile Network Operators.

Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, on Wednesday, said the move is to allow an audit of the Subscriber Registration Database.

He noted that it was absolutely necessary for operators to comply until the audit exercise had been concluded.

Adinde stated that Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, directed the commission to embark on an audit of the registration database.

However, when absolutely necessary, he said an exemption might be granted following approval from the Federal Government through the commission.

The NCC spokesman warned that non-compliance with the directive would be met with strict sanctions, including the possibility of withdrawal of operating license.

Adinde said the audit would help to consolidate the achievement of the SIM Card registration exercise.

He added that the directive became necessary in view of the “preponderance of pre-registered SIMs with the attendant security implications associated with the use of same to facilitate criminal activities.”

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