…Directs commission to revise policy on SIM registration, usage
By Darley Morountodun
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr. Ibrahim Pantami, on Tuesday, directed the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) to revise the existing policy on SIM card registration and usage.
This is coming even as it gave the commission the ultimatum of December 1st, that already registered SIM cards are to be updated with National Identity Number (NIN) before December 1st, 2020.
The Technical Assistant on Information Technology to the Minister, Mr. Femi Adeluyi, in a statement, said this is in line with the powers conferred on the Minister as stated in Section 25(1) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003:
The Act says: “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 statement said.
The updated policy, according to him, is expected to include the following provisions, amongst others: 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.
He said: “Already registered SIM cards are to be updated with National Identity Number (NIN) before 1st December, 2020.”
The statement further added: “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.
“There should be a maximum number of SIM cards that can be tied to a single individual, possibly a maximum of 3.
“Ensure that no unregistered SIMs are ever allowed on mobile networks, ensure that subscribers can easily check the number of SIM cards registered to their name, along with the associated phone numbers and networks.”
According to the minister, this will also 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), stressing that SIM cards that have been used to perpetrate crimes are permanently deactivated.
NCC, the minister said is to provide his office with progress reports on the implementation of the revised Policy.