Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) that National Identity Number (NIN) becomes a prerequisite for Nigerians registering new SIM cards.
The minister on the revised policy on SIM card registration and usage stated that while Nigerians are required to present their NIN foreigners are to present their passports and visas while already registered SIM cards are to be updated with National Identity Number (NIN) before 1st December, 2020.
This is in line with the powers of the minister as stated in Section 25(1) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003- “the minister shall, in writing, from time to time notify the Commission or and express his views on the general policy direction of the federal government in respect of the communications sector.”
“The revision of the policy is based on the feedback received from the security agencies following the successful revalidation of improperly registered SIM cards in September 2019 and the blocking of those that failed to revalidate their SIMs.
The updated policy is expected to include the following provisions, amongst others: that NCC “ensure that the National Identity Number (NIN) becomes a prerequisite for Nigerians registering new SIM cards (while for foreigners, their passports and visas should be used), while already registered SIM cards are to be updated with National Identity Number (NIN) before 1st December, 2020.
