The Federal Government has instructed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to review the registration and usage of SIM cards, aiming to limit individuals from owning more than three mobile telephone lines.
As part of this directive, telecommunication companies are expected to prevent unregistered SIM cards from operating on their networks. This move comes in response to the escalating incidents of killings, kidnappings for ransom, and general insecurity.
Furthermore, the NCC has been tasked with ensuring that the National Identity Number (NIN) becomes a prerequisite for registering new SIM cards for Nigerians, and for foreigners to use their passports and visas. Existing registered SIM cards must be updated with the NIN by December 1, 2020.
In a statement released by Dr. Femi Adeluyi, the technical adviser of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ibrahim Pantami, it was highlighted that the policy revision was prompted by feedback from security agencies. The updated policy is expected to include various provisions, such as limiting the maximum number of SIM cards that can be linked to a single individual to three and ensuring that unregistered SIMs are not allowed on mobile networks.
Additionally, the directive has spurred comments from telecommunication operators. The President of the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Olusola Teniola, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the new measures in combatting criminal activities, suggesting alternative measures like a post-code system and digital address system.