GSM subscribers to update SIM registration with National ID

The ministry of Communication and Digital Economy has ordered mobile phone operators
to direct their subscribers to provide valid National Identification Number (NIN) to update SIM registration records or block them from their network.
At a meeting held by the Minister, Dr Isa Pantami with Chief Executives of parastatals under his ministry,the following decisions were reached

i. Affirmation of the earlier directive to totally suspend registration of NEW SIMs by all operators.

ii.​Operators to require ALL their subscribers to provide valid National Identification Number (NIN) to update SIM registration records.

iii.​The submission of NIN by subscribers to take place within two weeks (from today December 16, 2020 and end by 30 December, 2020).

iv.​After the deadline, ALL SIMs without NINs are to be blocked from the networks.

v.​A Ministerial Task Force comprising the Minister and all the CEOs (among others) as members is to monitor compliance by all networks.

vi.​Violations of this directive will be met by stiff sanctions, including the possibility of withdrawal of operating license.
The general public is hereby urged to ensure that their NINs are captured in their SIM registration data.
A statement signed by Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde
said the Ministry regretted all inconveniences which might be occasioned by this directive.
According to Adinde, the meeting discussed the need to consolidate the achievements of last year’s SIM registration audit and improve the performance and sanity of the sector and all stakeholders agreed that urgent drastic measures have now become inevitable to improve the integrity and transparency of the SIM registration process.