The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has promulgated a novel set of regulations aimed at facilitating a more efficient SIM-NIN Linkage process.
The NCC articulated that this initiative is fundamentally directed towards the enhancement of procedures pertaining to Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card registration and National Identity Number (NIN) linkage, while simultaneously addressing pre-existing deficiencies and integrating self-service alternatives.
The newly established guidelines, delineated within the “Business Rules issued pursuant to the Registration of Communications Subscribers Regulation,” are designed to underpin the National Identity Policy concerning SIM card registration and associated activities that were initiated in the year 2022.
These directives mandate the expungement of all records of recycled SIMs from any previously linked NINs, thereby enabling new users to register and connect their own NINs.
The revised regulations encompass a comprehensive array of domains, which include the harmonization of the NIN-SIM registration database, the activation and registration of new SIMs, and other pertinent matters.
Additionally, there exists the provision to designate a Secondary or Operations Telecom Master. Both positions necessitate the submission of detailed authorization letters, which must be signed by individuals at the C-Level, and should include the registered names, official titles, and NINs of the designated Telecom Masters.
Furthermore, for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) SIM registrations, only the NIN corresponding to the Primary Telecom Master is requisite.
The authorization protocol mandates a meticulous vetting process, which includes the submission of a CSV file that enumerates all associated SIMs, the NINs of each secondary user, alongside other pertinent documentation such as the Certificate of Incorporation and the Tax Clearance Certificate.
The stipulations for foreign nationals residing in Nigeria for a duration exceeding two years necessitate the acquisition of a NIN for SIM registration and Mobile Number Portability (MNP).
Individuals residing for a period shorter than two years are exempted from the obligatory NIN requirement, yet they must present their International passport biodata and visa pages for the purpose of SIM registration.
Special provisions are designated for diplomatic missions, which entail requirements for diplomatic passports and a Letter of Request issued by the Head of Mission.
The newly established regulations have also instituted a self-service option for the rectification of biometric mismatches; however, this process is to be conducted exclusively by the Communications Service Provider and is not accessible to agents or third parties.
The self-service procedures must comply with stringent standards, which include operating in an adequately illuminated environment, employing a white or plain background for image capture, and ensuring that the process is overseen by licensed agents within designated SIM card registration centers.
These modifications are intended to optimize the SIM registration and NIN linkage process, thereby ensuring compliance and augmenting the overall efficiency of the telecommunications sector in Nigeria.
