News
Block SIM cards minutes after reportedly stolen, NCC tells telcos
Block SIM cards minutes after reportedly stolen, NCC tells telcos
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has mandated that all telecommunications companies (telcos) block stolen subscriber identification module (SIM) cards within five minutes of receiving a report from subscribers.
The NCC has stated that any subsequent usage of the stolen SIM should not incur charges for the consumer from the time the report is made. In its recent publication, ‘Quality of Service Business Rules,’ released in August 2024, the NCC also unveiled several new standards designed to enhance customer service in the telecommunications sector. These guidelines establish minimum service standards, relevant measurements, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for telecom operators.
A key requirement outlined in the new regulations is that telecommunications companies (telcos) must ensure that subscribers receive assistance within 30 minutes of arriving at service centers.
“It must not exceed 30 minutes. The licensee shall provide means of measuring the waiting time, starting from the time of arrival at the premises,” NCC said.
The commission has also introduced additional improvements to customer service interactions beyond reducing wait times.
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The NCC stipulated that customers must be able to speak with a live representative within five minutes.
It said: “Maximum number of call-attempts before connecting to customer care lines should not be more than three (3) times,” the commission said.
“Maximum number of rings before a call is answered by either an IVR machine or a live agent should not be more than five.
“Where a customer decides to speak to a live agent, the maximum duration allowable on the queue/IVR should be 5 minutes before answer.
“In exceptional cases where live agent may be unavailable within 5 minutes to answer the call, a customer should be given an option to hanging up to be called back within a maximum time of 30 minutes.”
Concerning internet services, the NCC has stated that internet outages should not last longer than two hours. The regulator specified that outages exceeding this duration should only occur in cases of lawful disconnection.
Additionally, the commission issued warnings regarding the deactivation of subscriber lines. The NCC indicated that if a subscriber’s line is inactive and not used for any revenue-generating activity for a year, it is at risk of being blocked.
The regulator advised subscribers to request line parking if they have valid reasons for not using their lines, in order to prevent losing their numbers. “A subscriber line may be deactivated if it has not been used within six months for a revenue-generating event (RGE). If the situation persists for another 6 months, the subscriber may lose his/her number, except for network-related faults inhibiting an RGE,” NCC said.
The NCC stated that these measures are aimed at advancing its goals of developing and monitoring performance standards and metrics related to the quality of telephone and other communication services in the country.
Block SIM cards minutes after reportedly stolen, NCC tells telcos
News
Tinubu not telling Nigerians the truth, says Sule Lamido
Tinubu not telling Nigerians the truth, says Sule Lamido
President Bola Tinubu has been accused of not being forthright about the true state of Nigeria under his administration.
Former Jigawa State Governor and senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member, Sule Lamido, made the accusation while speaking on the BBC Hausa programme Gane Mini Hanya.
Lamido criticized both Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari for what he described as a lack of transparency in governance.
“Buhari’s and Tinubu’s governments are not being transparent with Nigerians unlike during the time when PDP was in power where everything was transparent and open to all Nigerians,” Lamido said.
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He accused the two administrations of relying on propaganda rather than providing citizens with accurate information.
Lamido also expressed concerns over President Tinubu’s recent loan requests, questioning the logic behind them. “If Nigerians are being told the truth then there is nothing wrong with that, but how would you budget N30tn, generate N50tn and then request loan when you have a surplus of N20tn,” he said, referencing last year’s budget.
He described the situation as “reckless” and “selfish,” adding, “This recklessness and clear-cut selfishness is not done anywhere in the world, but yet you find (some) Nigerians supporting it. Visit social media and see how APC is being criticised, being referred to as calamity, yet you find some protecting it.”
Tinubu not telling Nigerians the truth, says Sule Lamido
News
Nigeria Customs Service begins 2025 recruitment [How to apply]
Nigeria Customs Service begins 2025 recruitment [How to apply]
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the commencement of its recruitment exercise, assuring Nigerians that the process is entirely free and fair.
The agency has cautioned the public to be vigilant against scammers who may attempt to exploit unsuspecting applicants during the recruitment period.
Applications are invited for positions in the Superintendent, Inspector, and Customs Assistant cadres as part of the Service’s plan to recruit 3,927 officers in 2025.
This initiative is aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and supporting Nigeria’s economic recovery efforts.
“Our recruitment is entirely free and fair. At no stage do we charge fees. Anyone requesting payment is a scammer,” the agency emphasized, urging applicants to be wary of fraudulent schemes.
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The NCS outlined eligibility criteria, stating that applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth, possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN), and have no criminal record or ongoing investigations.
Academic qualifications for the three cadres are as follows:
Superintendent Cadre: A university degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) along with an NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.
Inspectorate Cadre: A National Diploma (ND) or Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from an accredited institution.
Customs Assistant Cadre: At least an O’Level certificate (WAEC or NECO).
In addition to these qualifications, the NCS stressed that all applicants must be physically and mentally fit, providing evidence of medical fitness from a recognized government hospital.
Nigeria Customs Service begins 2025 recruitment [How to apply]
News
Tinubu to critics: I won’t reduce my cabinet size
Tinubu to critics: I won’t reduce my cabinet size
President Bola Tinubu on Monday unequivocally responded to critics who described his cabinet as “bloated” by saying he is unprepared to reduce the size of his 48-man cabinet.
“I am not ready to shrink” the size of my cabinet, Tinubu said during a media chat at his Bourdillon residence in the highbrow Ikoyi area of Lagos State.
“I am not prepared to bring down the size of my cabinet,” the former Lagos governor said, arguing that “efficiency” has been at the core of his selection of ministers.
The president also said he has no regret removing the petrol subsidy in May 2023, saying Nigeria cannot continue to be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries.
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“I don’t have any regrets whatsoever in removing petrol subsidy. We are spending our future, we were just deceiving ourselves, that reform was necessary,” he told reporters.
Tinubu appointed 48 ministers in August 2023, three months after his inauguration. The Senate immediately screened and confirmed the ministers. One of the ministers, Betta Edu, was suspended in January while another, Simon Lalong, moved to the Senate.
There were calls for the President to reshuffle his cabinet as many Nigerians have not been impressed by the performance of some of the ministers, especially in the face of unprecedented inflation, excruciating economic situation and rising insecurity.
In October 2024, Tinubu re-assigned 10 ministers to new ministerial portfolios and appointed seven new ministers for Senate confirmation. He also sacked five of his ministers but critics insist that the President’s cabinet remains large, especially with the creation of a Livestock Ministry with a minister.
Tinubu to critics: I won’t reduce my cabinet size
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