SIM replacement: FG introduces new guidelines, says subscribers must present NIN - ITREALMS

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The Federal Government (FG) has introduced new guidelines for replacement of any damaged Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) in the country, insisting on the presentation of the National Identification Number (NIN), reports ITREALMS.

The duo of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in a joint press statement available to ITREALMS by the NCC director of Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde and Head, Corporate Communications at NIMC, Mr. Kayode Adegoke, informed that the drive to ensure all subscribers are linked with NIN paved the way for this new guidelines.
The statement on behalf of the Ministerial Task Force under the Chairmanship of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, had set up a Technical Committee made up of representatives of, NCC, NIMC, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON); and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).

According to the duo, the Technical Committee charged with the operationalization of the process to ensure an expedited linkage of all SIM Registration Records with NIN has recommended as approved by Pantami a SIM Replacement Policy for subscribers.

"Whose SIMs may have been lost, stolen, misplaced or damaged subject to the following conditions; that the subscriber present a NIN; That an effective verification of the NIN is carried out by NIMC; and That the relevant Guidelines and Regulations of NCC concerning SIM Replacement are fully adhered to," they said.

This policy, both agencies further said, is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce the burden on subscribers and simplify the exercise, which is aimed at enabling telecommunications service users who need to replace their damaged, stolen or misplaced SIMs to re-establish access to telecom services.

Chuks Egbune/Editor