The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled a new set of regulations aimed at streamlining the SIM-NIN linkage process.

The Commission stated that these measures are intended to improve the procedures for registering Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards and linking them with National Identity Numbers (NIN), while also addressing current deficiencies and introducing self-service options.

The newly established guidelines, detailed in the “Business Rules issued pursuant to the Registration of Communications Subscribers Regulation,” align with the National Identity Policy for SIM card registration and related initiatives launched in 2022.

Among the key provisions is a requirement to clear all records of recycled SIMs from any previously linked NINs, enabling new users to register and link their own NINs.

The revised regulations encompass various aspects, including the harmonization of the NIN-SIM registration database, as well as the activation and registration of new SIMs.

Additionally, there is an option to designate a Secondary or Operations Telecom Master, with both positions necessitating comprehensive authorization letters signed by C-Level executives, which must include the registered names, official titles, and NINs of the respective Telecom Masters. For Machine-to-Machine (M2M) SIM registrations, only the NIN of the Primary Telecom Master is required.

The authorization process entails rigorous vetting, including the submission of a CSV file that lists all associated SIMs, the NINs of each secondary user, and other pertinent documents such as the Certificate of Incorporation and Tax Clearance Certificate.

Foreign nationals residing in Nigeria for over two years are required to obtain a NIN for SIM registration and Mobile Number Portability (MNP).

Those who have been in the country for less than two years are exempt from the NIN requirement but must provide their International passport biodata and visa pages for SIM registration.

Special provisions are in place for diplomatic missions, which require diplomatic passports and a Letter of Request from the Head of Mission.

The revised regulations introduce a self-service option for resolving biometric discrepancies. However, this option is exclusively available to the communications Service Provider and cannot be accessed by agents or third parties.

The self-service activities must adhere to stringent standards, including operating in a well-lit environment, utilizing a white or plain backdrop for image capture, and ensuring that licensed agents manage the process in designated SIM card registration centers.

These modifications aim to optimize the SIM registration and NIN linkage process, ensuring compliance and enhancing the overall efficiency of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.