NCC Confirms All SIM Cards Used in Nigeria Now Locally Manufactured

• NCC announces all SIM cards in Nigeria are now locally produced, achieving full domestic manufacturing in the telecommunications sector
• Engr. Babagana Digima credits NORDIT for promoting indigenous participation, transforming SIM card production from imported to entirely domestic within months

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that all SIM cards used throughout Nigeria are now produced domestically, marking a significant achievement for the country’s telecommunications sector.

Engr. Babagana Digima, Head of New Media and Information Security at NCC, disclosed this during a media executives’ training session in Lagos. He attributed this milestone to NCC’s dedicated efforts in promoting local content and enhancing Indigenous participation in the telecommunications industry, facilitated through the Nigeria Office for Development in the Indigenous Telecommunications Sector (NORDIT).

“Under Section 1D to F of our Act, NCC is mandated to encourage Indigenous involvement in telecom companies, alongside the national policy promoting local content in the sector, which led to the establishment of NORDIT,” stated Digima.

He highlighted NORDIT’s pivotal role in fostering indigenous participation, citing the transformation from nearly 99% imported SIM cards two years ago to now achieving full domestic manufacturing within five to six months.

“We mandated all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to source their SIM cards locally, resulting in the complete elimination of imports. Every SIM card in use across Nigeria is locally manufactured,” Digima affirmed.

Formerly heading NORDIT, Digima emphasized the organization’s advocacy and support initiatives to bolster local companies in the telecom sector. These efforts include grants and incentives, such as sponsoring the production of innovative telecom infrastructure like Corrugated Ordinal Ducts.

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, underscored the importance of media training in bridging communication gaps between the commission and the public. Represented by Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Maida emphasized transparency in industry operations and fostering strategic media partnerships.

The training session aimed to build a robust database of media partners and enhance mutual understanding between the commission and stakeholders, ensuring clarity and cooperation within Nigeria’s telecom sector.