The Association of Telephone, Cable TV and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria. [ATCIS], Foremost Subscribers Advocacy body protecting Subscribers’ Right and Interests with membership of about 200 million Fixed and Mobile Telephone Subscribers members across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria has Challenged the Administration of President Mohammadu Buhari and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy
over its sincerity and operational Inadequacies on the Linkage of the National Identification Number(NIN) and Subscriber Identification Module(SIM).

In an Exclusive Interview with Citizen NewsNG, The National President of ATCIS, Hon. Sina Bilesanmi questioned the shortcomings recorded and conflicting claims made by Government agencies since the commencement of the exercise.

While reacting to the untold hardships Telecom Subscribers are subjected to during the registration exercise, Bilesanmi said “the Isa Patanmi’s led Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and National Identity Management Commission lack the Human and Technical Know-how to properly capture and document Subscribers Bio-data and other vital information”.

Bilesanmi noted that there are systematic and operational failures on the part of the National Identification Agency and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. He told Citizen NewsNG that most times, many Telecom Subscribers spend valuable time at the registration centres without getting registered. In some cases, Subscribers were told there were shortage of registration materials and/or System down time and Upgrade.

In his reaction to a statement made by the Director-General of Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Halilu Shana, that Nigeria does not have sufficient satellite and other facilities to monitor bandits and other criminal elements, the ATCIS President pointed out the ineptitude and lack of sincerity of purpose by the Buhari’s administration to put an end to the increasing wave of Terrorism, Banditry and cybercrimes in the country.

While addressing Journalists last week during the Interactive meeting with members of staff of the Agency, The NASRDA DG, Shaba had said that “Bandits have become sophisticated in their operations and waves received by the agency from remote areas shows that they no longer use Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) phones but Walkie – Talkie. The Satellite is not static where the insurgency is taking place. That is why one satellite is not adequate. What Nigeria has there are some two satellites doing two different things”.

Shaba stated further that though Nigeria have a High-Resolution imaging satellite and Medium Resolution imaging satellite but the activities of the bandits could not be monitored when the satellite is away from Nigerian borders. He implored the federal government to acquire more Satellites for comprehensive surveillance.

At the ongoing synchronisation of National Identification Number with SIM cards across the country, President Mohammadu Buhari admitted that previous attempts to register Nigerians and have a comprehensive data base for proper planning and development have been unsuccessful due to a number of reasons, including sabotage. He stated that his administration is focused and dedicated to ensure that the benefits of a secure and robust digital identity system is achieved.

The ATCIS President however frowned at the inconsistencies of government agencies and Policies. He urged the Federal Government to put the Interest of the citizenry first in decision making.

Bilesanmi Also charged the National Identification Management Commission to recruit more Personnel, to further decentralize the Registration Centres and acquire modern technological driven Data capturing Systems.

He called on the federal government to acquire more Satellites and remote sensing image devices to monitor the activities of Terrorists and cyber Criminals.

Bilesanmi however attributed high level of unemployment to be one of the rising cases of insecurity in Nigeria.

“For a sustainable development to be achieved, the federal government must urgently address the unemployment crisis facing the country so as to adequately tackle its security challenges”, Bilesanmi advised.

The ATCIS National President, Bilesanmi however renewed his call for Stakeholders’ collaboration and Periodic engagement.
He said: “The way forward is to call a round Table meetings of Stakeholders including ATCIS which is the Subscribers’ Association Body.

@ Citizen NewsNG / Citizen Magazine

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to ATCIS,

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Account Name:
Association of Telephone, Cable Tv & Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS)

Account No: 2031750620
Bank Name: First Bank of Nigeria Limited

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www.atcisnigeria.com
Email: atcisnigeria@gmail.com
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Call ATCIS on: 07052713300

ATCIS Protects the Interest of Telephone, Cable TV and Internet Subscribers