The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has appealed to Persons Living With Disabilities in Nasarawa State (PLWDs) to approach their preferred telecommunication companies and link their National Identification Number to their Subscriber Identity Module.
Speaking at the Inclusiveness of Persons With Disabilities Awareness and Engagement Programme in Lafia on Thursday, the Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Umar Danbatta, said the aim of the meeting was to enable the commission to understand how to address the concerns of the physically challenged persons in the state.
Danbatta, who was represented by the NCC Director, Zonal Operations, Amina Shehu, further explained that the engagement was in line with the commission’s mandate to constantly educate the consumers on telecom service-related issues, bothering on improving their quality of service experience.
He said, “The key objective of this summit is to ensure that in the provision of communications services, there is improved accessibility and inclusiveness for people living with disabilities.
“It is also to sensitise both operating companies and equipment manufacturers on the need to jointly address their challenges.
“The meeting is also to encourage the PLWDs to ensure that they link their SIMs with their National Identification Numbers, otherwise, their mobile lines will be blocked.
“And on our part, we have directed network providers in Nasarawa State to render all the necessary assistance to them.”
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Association of the Blinds, who spoke on behalf of the PLWDs, Shugaba Oloshu, said they were facing so many challenges and difficulties with registration and linking of their SIMs with their NINs.
He appealed that measures should be taken by the NCC and telecommunication companies towards addressing their plights.