The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has unveiled new regulations to simplify the process of linking SIM cards to National Identity Numbers, NIN.
The goal is to improve SIM card registration and NIN linkage procedures, address existing challenges, and introduce self-service options for a more convenient experience.
The new guidelines, outlined in the “Business Rules issued pursuant to the Registration of Communications Subscribers Regulation,” support the National Identity Policy for SIM card registration and related activities initiated in 2022.
The new regulations include a directive to purge previously linked NINs from recycled SIM cards, enabling new users to register and link their own NINs. The updated rules encompass various aspects, such as; harmonizing NIN-SIM registration databases, streamlining new SIM activation and registration processes.
Additionally, the regulations introduce the option to appoint a Secondary Telecom Master, and an Operations Telecom Master.
Both appointments require authorization letters signed by C-Level executives, including the names, official titles, and NINs of the designated Telecom Masters.
The new regulations also address Machine-to-Machine, M2M, SIM registrations, requiring only the NIN of the Primary Telecom Master. The authorization process involves a rigorous vetting procedure, which includes; submitting a CSV file listing all associated SIMs, providing NINs for each secondary user, furnishing additional documents, such as: Certificate of Incorporation, and Tax Clearance Certificate
Furthermore, the rules stipulate that foreign nationals living in Nigeria for over two years must obtain a NIN for SIM registration, obtain a NIN for Mobile Number Portability, MNP
This ensures that all users, including foreign nationals, comply with the NIN-SIM linkage requirements.
Those staying for less than two years are exempted from the mandatory NIN requirement but must present their International passport biodata and visa pages for SIM registration.
Special provisions apply to diplomatic missions, with requirements for diplomatic passports and a Letter of Request from the Head of Mission.
The new rules also introduced a self-service option for resolving biometric mismatches, but this can only be conducted directly by the Communications Service Provider and is not available to agents or third parties.
Allnews.ng had previously reported that the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, has partnered with the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, to enhance processes related to the National Identification Number, NIN-SIM linkage.