The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced the implementation of a new set of regulations to streamline the process of linking SIM cards with National Identification Numbers (NIN) and by so doing, ensuring compliance and improving the overall efficiency of the nation’s telecommunications sector.
The new guidelines, contained in the “Business Rules issued pursuant to the Registration of Communications Subscribers Regulation,” aims to improve the procedures for registering SIM cards and linking National Identity Numbers (NINs) by addressing current challenges and introducing self-service alternatives and enhance the National Identity Policy for SIM card registration and related activities initiated in 2022.
According to the industry regulator, the guidelines comprised an order for all records of recycled SIMs to be cleared of any previously linked NINs, allowing new users to register and link their own NINs.
These updated regulations also cover a broad range of areas, including NIN-SIM registration database harmonization, new SIM activation and registration, and offer an option to appoint a Secondary or Operations Telecom Master. Both roles require detailed authorization letters, signed by C-Level staff that include the registered names, official designations, and NINs of the respective Telecom Masters.
In addition, for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) SIM registrations, the rules indicate that only the NIN of the Primary Telecom Master is required but that the authorization process demands a thorough vetting, including the submission of a CSV file detailing all associated SIMs, the NINs of each secondary user, and other relevant documents such as the Certificate of Incorporation and Tax Clearance Certificate.
For foreign nationals residing in Nigeria for more than two years, the regulations require that they must obtain a NIN for SIM registration and Mobile Number Portability (MNP) while those that had resided 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.
Under the new regulatory regime, 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.
The regulations require that the self-service activities must adhere to strict standards, including operating in a properly lit environment, using a white or plain background for image capture, and ensuring that the process is managed by licensed agents in designated SIM card registration centers.
