The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it has discovered 41 fake and unlicenced service providers operating in the country’s telecommunications landscape.

The regulatory body made this known in its “2016 Q1 Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Reports” made available to Nigerian Pilot, in Lagos.

It said the discovery was made during compliance monitoring regarding the engagement of unlicenced service providers providing internet/data access in Nigeria.

The report stated that following the commission’s surveillance and intelligence gathering exercise, it was discovered that some financial institutions engaged the illegal providers for their internet and data services.

According to the report, in line with the commission’s compliance processes, these banks were requested to provide the names and details of their service providers in this regard.

“Arising from this compliance check, the Commission has discovered that 41 companies engaged were operating without the requisite authorisation.

“To this end, the Commission has commenced the necessary enforcement process in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003,” it said.

The report said that the telecommunications umpire’s activities were consistent with Section 89 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

It said that the section mandated NCC to “monitor all significant matters relating to the performance of all licensed telecom service providers and publish annual reports at the end of each financial year”.

The report noted that NCC had developed Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement strategies to ensure fair competition, ethical market conduct and optimal quality service in the telecommunications industry. (Nigerian Pilot)

•Photo shows NCC Executive VP, Prof. Umar Danbatta.

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