The suspension of SIM registrations began in December 2020 when the NCC said that all telcos should link National Identification Numbers (NIN) to every mobile subscriber.
After four months of suspending the registration of new SIM cards, Nigeria’s Communications Commission (NCC) has lifted the ban, and sales of new sim begin today.
Dr. Isa Pantami, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and the Digital Economy, alongside other industry stakeholders, has made the National Identity Number (NIN) mandatory for acquiring and activating new SIMs for individuals, corporates, and SIM replacement.
According to the statement, possession of a National Identity Number (NIN) will be a prerequisite for new SIM acquisition and activation, SIM replacement, new SIM activation for corporates, and Internet-of-Things/Machine-to-Machine (IoT/M2M), amongst others.
The statement also stated that registration will now begin on Monday, 19th of April 2021. Other suspended activity around SIM cards will also resume on the same date provided the individual has NIN.
Now all y have to do is, simply walk into any experience center closest to you register for a new SIM, or request for a sim replacement with a valid NIN number.