The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to use the National Identification Number (NIN) as a prerequisite for SIM Card registration.
This news was disclosed by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami through a statement signed by the Minister’s Technical Assistant on Information Technology Dr. Femi Adeluyi
Adeluyi said that the Minister directed the NCC to revise the Policy on Subscriber Identification Module(SIM) Card registration and usage.
He added that the revision of the Policy is based on the feedback received from the security agencies following the successful re-validation of improperly registered SIM cards in September 2019 and the blocking of those that failed to re-validate their SIMs.
According to statement, the updated policy is expected to:
1.) 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.
2.) Ensure that only fully accredited agents support the SIM card registration process without pre-registering SIM cards themselves, while the eventual registration should be done by the operators.
3.) There should be a maximum number of SIM cards that can be tied to a single individual, possibly a maximum of 3.
4.) Ensure that no unregistered SIMs are ever allowed on mobile networks;
5.) Ensure that subscribers can easily check the number of SIM cards registered to their name, along with the associated phone numbers and networks.
6.) Ensure that mobile network operators fortify their networks against cyberattacks and ensure that they adhere to the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR); and
7.) Ensure that SIM cards that have been used to perpetrate crimes are permanently deactivated.
The statement added that “The NCC is to provide the Minister with progress reports on the implementation of the revised Policy”.
To get your NIN, you can use NIMC USSD code-*346#- and simply go through the following steps:
1.) dial *346#
2.) from the options displayed, select “NIN Retrieval”, by typing in ‘1’, if you are using the same phone number you enrolled with for your NIN
3.) follow the steps displayed on your screen and provide the required inputs
4.) Note that using this service attracts a N20 (tweny naira) fee only (deducted from your phone credit balance).
5.) This service is currently available on the Airtel and MTN network.
