All Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards used in Nigeria are now produced locally, according to Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

A SIM card is an integrated circuit intended to securely store an international mobile subscriber identity number and its related key, which are used to identify and authenticate subscribers on mobile telephone devices

Babagana Digima, head of New Media and Information Security at the NCC, disclosed this at the two-day training for media executives in Lagos.

The training tagged “Upskilling Media Stakeholders on Trends in Telecommunications,”was aimed at enhancing the understanding of media professionals about current trends and advancements in the telecom sector.

Speaking on local production of SIM cards, Digima said that NCC’s efforts to promote local content and indigenous participation in the telecommunications industry, spearheaded by the Nigeria Office for Development in the Indigenous Telecommunications Sector (NORDIT) is yielding positive results.

He highlighted that until recently, nearly all SIM cards in Nigeria were imported. “Before NORDIT’s intervention, 99% to 100% of SIM cards in Nigeria were imported. We set a goal to reverse this trend within five to six months. Now, 100% of all SIM cards used in Nigeria are manufactured locally, with no importation,” Digima stated.

Digima, who previously headed NORDIT, emphasized the commission’s advocacy efforts to boost Indigenous participation across all sectors of telecoms. He noted that NORDIT has provided grants and incentives to various companies to support industry development.

“For instance, we are currently sponsoring the manufacture of Corrugated Ordinal Duct, which will be the first of its kind in Africa. We also encourage the local production of telecom towers and fibre cables. Coleman Cables, a local manufacturer, has surpassed the only other producer in Egypt in terms of capacity and is continuing to expand,” he said.

The NCC under Sections 1D to F of its Act, is mandated to encourage the participation of indigenous telecom companies.

This national policy for promoting indigenous content in the telecommunications sector led to the establishment of the Nigerian Office for Developing the Indigenous Telecom Sector (NORDIT).

“One of NORDIT’s key areas of impact has been in fostering Indigenous participation,” explained Digima, a representative of the NCC.

In a landmark initiative, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) have announced a joint declaration aimed at strengthening collaboration on ICT infrastructure mapping across West Africa. This partnership is set to drive significant improvements in connectivity and socio-economic development throughout the region.

Both organizations emphasized the importance of comprehensive ICT infrastructure data and mapping in shaping effective infrastructure strategies. These data and maps are essential for connecting unserved and underserved communities, with Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) playing a crucial role in planning investments and making informed decisions.

Through this collaboration, ITU and WATRA aim to leverage their respective initiatives and projects, avoiding duplication of efforts and reducing costs. By harmonizing procedures for high-quality infrastructure mapping, the partnership will accelerate efforts to connect communities to the digital economy.

The joint declaration outlines several areas of cooperation, including joint advocacy, capacity building, and implementing ITU recommendations on geospatial information. Specific activities will include technical assistance, enhanced network planning, data analytics for decision-making, regional integration, and advocacy for transparency.

The collaboration aims to achieve multiple outcomes, including improved data consistency, informed infrastructure investment decisions, streamlined decision-making processes, increased regional integration, and enhanced transparency through web-based information access.

Aliyu Aboki, Executive Secretary of WATRA, highlighted the significance of this partnership: “WATRA is excited to partner with ITU on this vital initiative. Our collective efforts will not only enhance the quality of infrastructure mapping but also support our member states in making evidence-based decisions that will bridge the connectivity gap and foster economic growth.”

The joint advocacy efforts will focus on promoting the importance of gathering and managing infrastructure data for decision-making. Capacity-building initiatives will include sharing resources and conducting joint training sessions for member states to improve their infrastructure and broadband mapping capabilities.

Technical assistance will be provided to review and update infrastructure data, while capacity development efforts will enhance network planning insights, impacting infrastructure investment decisions across the region.

The partnership will also facilitate regional integration by sharing insights into network interconnection gaps and opportunities, promoting new infrastructure investments and partnerships. Additionally, it will advocate for improved transparency and stakeholder engagement through accessible web-based information on infrastructure.

The ITU-WATRA joint declaration marks a significant milestone in enhancing ICT infrastructure mapping in West Africa. By working together, ITU and WATRA aim to drive connectivity improvements and socio-economic development, ensuring that communities across the region are better integrated into the digital economy.

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