The federal Government of Nigeria has issued new conditions that may affect mobile phone users in the country especially those with the need to replace Subscriber Identity Module (SIM card).
As made known the new policy was formulated in the bid to make the linking of subscribers’ data with National Identity Number(NIN) effective and as well tidy up the processes of obtaining fresh cards.
Over the time, replacement of SIM cards that are damaged, stolen or lost is not uncommon issues among subscribers in the Nigerian telecommunication sector.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economic, Dr Isa Ibrahim Pantami has however approved new guidelines following the recommendation of a Ministerial Task Force on issues relating to the telecom industry and National Identity Numbers.
A jointly signed statement issued by the spoke persons for the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde and the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, Mr Kayode Adegoke noted that the new guidelines are to make processes easier for Nigerians.
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Part of the statement reads, “Based on recommendations of the Technical Committee, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy has approved a SIM Replacement Policy for subscribers whose SIMs have been lost, stolen, misplaced or damaged subject to the following conditions:
i) That the subscriber present a NIN;
ii) That an effective verification of the NIN is carried out by NIMC; and
iii) That the relevant Guidelines and Regulations of NCC concerning SIM Replacement are fully adhered to.
“This policy is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce the burden on subscribers and simplify the exercise.
“It is aimed at enabling telecommunications service users who need to replace their damaged, stolen or misplaced SIMs to re-establish access to telecom services.
