A Group, Cyber Security Network, (CSN), has urged the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, to step up its awareness campaign for GSM subscribers to participate fully in the ongoing SIM card registration exercise.

While calling for increased grassroots mobilisation targeted especially at the rural areas, the group, however, lauded efforts of the NCC since the commencement of the registration exercise, noting that “the commission has displayed a determination and commitment to deliver on its promise to register all SIM cards in the country.”

The CSN, which made this point in a statement issued in Lagos by its protem coordinating officer, Leke Jire Jr., noted that SIM registration was a very integral aspect of cyber security globally.

It said: “With over 75 million subscribers, Nigeria has taken a lead in mobile and broadband services in Africa, but such lead must be organised, safeguarded and consolidated in a manner that will enhance national security especially in the cyber space.”

The CSN, a coalition of professionals and stakeholders in cyber security, urged the NCC to step up its resolve to ensure that all SIM is registered throughout the country, pointing out that incendiary issues like theft of GSM handsets will soon be a thing of the past when the exercise is fully completed.

The group said the commission’s current campaign, which includes radio jingles in local languages, and gives subscribers locations of SIM card registration centres in all the states of the federation, should be more frequently aired especially in rural areas.