The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has declared its intention to prosecute telemarketers who illicitly access telecom subscribers' phone numbers for commercial purposes. It emphasized that the allegation that telemarketers obtain these phone numbers from the commission is untrue. The NCC made this announcement through a public notice titled "Unauthorised Use of Telecom Subscribers' Phone Numbers and Other Personal Information by Telemarketers," which was signed by Professor Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC.

The commission clarified that it strictly adheres to the principles and regulations governing the protection of consumers' privacy in telecommunications services. It emphasized that no service provider or telemarketer is permitted to acquire, collect, or employ subscriber data without the explicit consent of the consumer, unless otherwise mandated by law.

The NCC cited specific legal provisions that ensure the safeguarding of telecom subscribers' data, including Section 35 (1) of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations, 2007; Section 9 (1) of the Nigerian Communications (Registration of Communications Subscribers) Regulations, 2022; and Section 4.2 (a) & (b) of the NCC's Internet Code of Practice.

Consequently, the NCC issued a stern warning to telemarketers engaged in the unauthorized collection of telecom subscribers' phone numbers and personal information for commercial purposes. It cautioned that anyone found guilty of such practices would be subject to arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.

The NCC advised telecom consumers to take advantage of the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) short code introduced by the commission. This service allows consumers to manage their subscription to Value Added Services, including the option to block unsolicited text messages and telemarketing offers by sending STOP to 2442 Short Code for FULL DND. The NCC also encouraged telecom consumers to report any instances of illegal activities by telemarketers to the commission through the NCC Toll-Free Number 622, enabling necessary enforcement actions to be taken.

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