The Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami, has directed the National Communication Commission (NCC) to ensure no Nigerian has more than three phone numbers.
Mr Pantami while directing the NCC to revise the Policy on SIM Card registration and usage, said the move was necessary due to 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
He gave the directive in a statement signed by his Technical Assistant, Dr Femi Adeluyi, to the NCC on Wednesday.
The minister also directed the commission to ensure that the National Identity Number (NIN), becomes a prerequisite for Nigerians registering new SIM cards.
For foreigners, they are to use their passports and visas.
“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;
“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); and
“Ensure that SIM cards that have been used to perpetrate crimes are permanently deactivated,” the statement added.
He said already registered SIM cards are to be updated with the NIN before December 1, 2020.
