Telecom
NIN: NCC Tightens Loose Ends, Introduce Self-Help Measure
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has announced a revised set of regulations to guide subscriber identity module (SIM) card and National Identity Number (NIN) rules, intended to tighten loose ends and introduce self-help measures.
One of the key highlights of the “Business Rules issued pursuant to the Registration of Communications Subscribers Regulation in support of the National Identity Policy for SIM Card registration and related activities published in 2022 which is premised on the mandatory use of a NIN” stated that “Record of all recycled SIMs shall be purged of any NIN attached, this is to allow new subscriber register or submit and link a new NIN.
The scope of application of the new rule in a document sighted yesterday at the Commission’s website covered NIN-SIM Registration Database Harmonization; New SIM Activation and Registration; Corporate, Internet-of-Things (IoT) and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) activations; SIM Activation for foreigners; Mobile Number Portability (MNP); Churned and Recycled SIMs; and agents and dealers governance.
Under the new rule, corporate new SIM sales/activation shall have a Primary Telecoms Master (Telecom Master) shall be minimum Executive Management Staff while corporate subscribers have the option of also appointing a secondary or operations telecoms master.
It said both Primary & Secondary/Operations Telecoms Master shall be indicated in a Telecom Master Authorization letter.
Machine to Machine (M2M) SIM registrations will only require NIN of the Primary Telecom Master.
Telecoms master authorization letter shall be signed by one or two C-Level staff (or above) of the corporate organization.
The Telecoms Master Authorization Letter shall provide among others, registered names of the Primary Telecoms Master, Official Designation of the Primary Telecoms Master, NIN of the Primary Telecoms Master i.e. Primary NIN, MSISDN of the Primary Telecoms Master (within the corporate account).
It stated however that registered names of the Secondary/Operations Telecoms Master (Optional).
It must also contain official designation of the secondary/operations telecoms master; MSISDN of the Secondary/Operations Telecoms Master (within the corporate account); NIN of the Secondary Telecom Master; Indemnity letter specifying the full responsibilities and liabilities of the Primary Telecoms Master and signed by the Primary Telecoms Master and C-Level staff of the Corporate Organization
A CSV file (or other searchable format) of all associated/secondary SIMs on the same account is provided (not applicable for internet of things (IoT)/M2M). This shall provide all associated SIMs on the account; first, Middle (optional) and last Names of each Secondary User; NIN of each Secondary user i.e. Secondary NIN; alternate SIMs of Secondary Users; Certificate of Incorporation with Registration Number duly verified by Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) (not applicable to companies listed on Nigerian Stock Exchange); tax Clearance Certificate or Tax Identification Number (not applicable to companies listed on Nigerian Stock Exchange).
Public sector and government organizations are also to present legal instruments showing evidence of establishment; Verify Primary Telecom Master NIN by matching Communications Service Providers Primary Telecom Master SIM Registration with NIMC records of Primary Telecom Master NIN.
Where there are mismatches or Primary Telecom Master SIM Registration is unavailable in respect of an Existing Corporate Subscriber, Communications Service Providers shall obtain Primary Telecom Master Passport Photograph and other demographic details; Communications Service Providers shall verify Primary Telecom Master NIN records against details provided via the electronic facial matching and case-management which includes manual facial verification process; Communications Service Providers shall provide NIMC records to Primary Telecom Master and obtain consent to use the records as Corporate SIM Registration,” it stated.
It stated that Communications Service Providers shall update Primary Telecom Master SIM Registration with NIMC records; store consent, passport photo and all other documents on the account.
Communications Service Providers shall validate the Secondary NIN of the Corporate. This shall not be applicable for IOT/M2M; Communications Service Providers shall copy verified Primary Telecom Master NIN and each validated Secondary NIN on the SIMs accordingly;
Where a Data only service is particular to individual use e.g home, car tracking, WiFi, MiFi services, et al, the standard NIN registration process will apply;
Where Primary Telecom Master’s NIN data and Communications Service Providers SIM Registration records match, and Secondary Telecom Master’s NIN is successfully verified, other forms of verification shall not be required;
Where Primary Telecom Master’s NIN data and Communications Service Providers SIM Registration KYC records do not match (or where Primary Telecom Master’s SIM Registration database is not available), SIM Registration data shall be updated with NIN details upon facial verification of Primary Telecom Master’s passport photograph and consent form from corporate subscriber;
Any peculiar request different from any Corporate entity which is at variance to the General Rules on Corporate and IoT/M2M SIM activation shall be treated on case by case basis after such corporate entity procures a waiver from NCC and upon written directives from the NCC to the concerned Communications Service Providers.
A check must be carried out by the Communications Service Providers for all new activations and port-in requests to ensure that the limit on the number of activations per subscriber as specified by the Commission from time to time are strictly adhered to.
The total number of SIMs an individual subscriber is permitted to acquire is a maximum of four SIMs with a single NIN on any Communications Service Providers’ network. Provided that the rule shall have no retroactive effect on SIMs purchased prior to April 27, 2021. This limit shall not apply to Corporate and IoT/M2M activation scenarios.
In respect of Foreigners who wish to activate New SIM (which includes subscription medium), and perform MNP (porting of numbers), the following general rules shall apply:
Foreigners who are lawfully residing in Nigeria for a period of two years or more fall under the category of Registrable persons and shall require a NIN to register their SIM and request for MNP; and foreigners validly transiting through Nigeria or are employed in or reside in Nigeria for less than 24 months are exempted from the mandatory use of NIN requirement.
Persons in this category need to provide justification that they will be residing in Nigeria for less than two years.
NIN is mandatory for foreigners with legal residency status or those living in Nigeria for two years and above.
For those who do not already have a NIN, Communications Service Providers shall capture the resident’s details for NIN issuance as part of the NIN enrolment process, upon presentation of resident permits; foreigners with Visitor’s visas (with visa less than two years) do not require a NIN.
MNOs will capture the International passport biodata page; and Visa page.
Foreigners with Diplomatic visas (including family diplomatic visas) will also require a NIN for their personal telephone lines if they are staying in Nigeria for two or more years.
Those staying less than two years will require International passport biodata page and letter from embassy indicating that their stay is for less than two years.
In respect of Embassies and Diplomatic Mission, what shall be required include the data page containing the passport number of the diplomatic passport of the Head of Mission/Embassy along with a Letter of Request signed by the Ambassador or its equivalent for registration of the official telephone lines of the Embassy/Mission in Nigeria shall be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for verification and confirmation and registration of the SIMs; SIM (which includes subscription medium) of the diplomatic missions are to be linked with Corporate Diplomatic Identification Number (CDIN) which will be unique to each diplomatic mission.
Each mission will also be responsible for managing the lines and allocating them internally. Furthermore, the head of Mission is to serve as the Telecom Master or point of contact for the mission.
The rule also set out self-service option. It noted that the self-service option for resolving biometric mismatches can only be conducted by the Communications Service Provider itself and cannot be an option for such activity by an agent or third party.
All self-service activities shall be in line with the specifications and requirements set out in 1 of these Business Rules.
Agents, third parties and other entities are not allowed to use the self-service option for any service, mismatch resolution or data update. This category must conduct these activities in a controlled environment.
It said a controlled environment for the purposes of these Business Rules must be properly lit and illuminated; Images should be captured against a white or plain background; it must have the logo of the Communications Service Provider; it must be operated by a duly licensed and approved agent; the agent must have a valid means of identification and a verified NIN; the registration centre must be a permanent structure; and the premises must be clearly marked a “SIM Card Registration Centre”.
Globacom is rolling out extensive network improvements to deliver a significantly better experience for its customers. These proactive measures are designed to ensure subscribers continue to get excellent value, particularly following recent tariff adjustments.
The ongoing upgrade involves a widespread deployment of new base stations, expanding coverage to previously underserved areas, and strengthening existing coverage in growing population centres. This strategic densification will guarantee superior network quality for both voice and data services across the entire country.
In a significant investment, Globacom is also re-routing its fibre infrastructure in several locations where road construction has compromised the fibre, including vital routes like Auchi-Okene and Benin-Ekpoma, Lafia-Akwanga, Minna-Abuja, and Funtua-Gusau.
“We decided, at a huge cost, to relocate the fibres, many of which had been vandalized in several places by uncoordinated road construction activities, in order to bring best-in-class services to customers”, the company disclosed.
Customers can look forward to brighter days ahead as Glo completes the deployment of hundreds of new sites nationwide. This year alone, thousands of 4G LTE sites have been activated in key cities, with additional hundreds of new sites are currently being deployed to further boost connectivity. These efforts are supported by massive upgrades of backhaul capacity (microwave and fibre) and a seamless improvement in the core network.
Globacom assured its subscribers that these ongoing initiatives will translate to enhanced service delivery, expanded coverage, faster data speeds, and overall improved network performance. The company plans to add over a thousand new sites in the next year, prioritizing LTE expansion to deepen its reliable data reach and extending fibre to more hub sites for greater service robustness.
Furthermore, Glo is committed to minimizing its carbon footprint by expanding hybrid power solutions and relying more on battery power across its sites, representing another substantial investment.
Despite these positive developments, Globacom continues to highlight the challenge of deliberate sabotage of network equipment, even with its designation as critical national infrastructure, emphasizing the need for stronger protective measures.
Nigeria’s corporate landscape is witnessing a significant transformation, with women increasingly occupying leadership positions and reshaping the narrative at the highest levels. A striking example of this shift unfolded recently as Mrs. Uto Ukpanah, FCIS, Company Secretary of MTN Nigeria, was inaugurated as the 30th President and Chairman of Council of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN).
L-R: Dr. Karl Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria; Uto Ukpanah, President, ICSAN and Company Secretary, MTN Nigeria, and Aniekan Ukpanah, Managing Partner, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie at the Investiture Ceremony of Uto Ukpanah as ICSAN 30th President, held in Lagos on Wednesday, July 23, 2o25.
Historically, ICSAN was led exclusively by men for nearly 57 years. However, the trend began to change in 2023 when Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo broke barriers as the Institute’s first female president. In 2025, her successor and former vice president, Mrs. Ukpanah, has now become only the second woman to assume the presidency, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s governance sector.
This development aligns with the broader momentum for women’s leadership across Nigeria’s business ecosystem. MTN Nigeria stands out as a champion of gender diversity. The company’s 2024 Annual Report reveals that women now constitute 41.4% of the workforce, a marked increase by 3% compared to 2023.
Among executive management, women hold 34.7% of positions, while female board representation stands at 21.4%. MTN’s deliberate drive, bolstered by initiatives such as the Women in Tech programme and the Y’ello Mums Internship, is fostering a pipeline of female talent across all tiers.
Female leaders at MTN are shaping strategy and impact on multiple fronts: Dr. Mosun Olusoga chairs the MTN Foundation; Odunayo Sanya serves as the Executive Director, MTN Foundation; Dr. Omobola Johnson contributes as a Non-Executive Director of the Board of Directors; and a host of others including Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Esther Akinnukawe, Ugonwa Nwoye, among others, lead critical business functions.
MTN’s policy of inclusion is reflected not just in numbers, but in recent recognitions. In 2024, Odunayo Sanya was named CSI Personality of the Year at the Nigeria Tech Innovation & Telecoms Awards, and Josephine Sarouk, Managing Director of Bayobab Nigeria (subsidiary of MTN), received the Woman in Telecoms Award in London.
Mrs. Ukpanah herself was honoured as the first-ever African recipient of the Global Corporate Secretary of the Year Award by the Corporate Secretaries International Association (CSIA), a testament to her pioneering leadership.
Ukpanah’s investiture as ICSAN President was held on July 23, 2025, in Lagos, attracting an array of dignitaries, government officials, and business leaders. Chaired by Prof. Hakeem Belo-Osagie, with a keynote delivered by Dr. Omobola Johnson, the event saw the full support of MTN Nigeria’s top brass, including CEO Karl Toriola and Board Chairman Dr. Ernest Ndukwe. In his goodwill message, Dr. Ndukwe remarked:
“This honour is a fitting recognition for Uto’s distinguished career, unwavering professionalism, and deep commitment to the principles of good governance. Uto has consistently exemplified the values that I believe ICSAN upholds, and we are confident that her leadership will further strengthen the Institute’s aspirations towards promoting excellence in governance.
“At MTN Nigeria, we are proud of her achievements and reaffirm our full support as she embarks on this important assignment. We look forward to the positive impact her tenure will bring to ICSAN.”
Also, her husband, Aniekan Ukpanah, Senior Partner at Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, described her as “a passionate steward, rooted in family, bound by purpose, and committed to legacy.” Outgoing ICSAN President Mrs. Ekundayo added that Ukpanah is “astute, visionary, and principled.”
Mrs. Ukpanah’s ascendancy to ICSAN’s top office, and MTN’s visible support, do more than celebrate personal or organisational victories; they signal a new era, one in which women are not just present, but are key architects of governance and future prosperity for Nigeria.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians over the illegal sale of personal data, including the National Identification Number (NIN), amid reports of a growing underground market targeting unsuspecting citizens.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Commission expressed deep concern following revelations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that young Nigerians are offering between ₦1,500 and ₦2,000 to individuals in exchange for their NIN and other sensitive details. These details are then allegedly resold to certain fintech platforms for as much as ₦5,000.
“This is not just a case of minor fraud, it’s a threat to national security and personal safety,” said Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC. “When you hand over your data to unknown agents, you are essentially handing over control of your identity.”
The Commission reiterated that it will not be held liable for any misuse of personal data shared voluntarily by individuals or through third parties for financial gain or inducement.
NIMC further cautioned service providers to ensure that every NIN presented for services is properly verified using approved channels before access is granted.
To safeguard personal identity, Nigerians are encouraged to download the NINAuth App, available on Apple iOS and Google Play Store. The app enables users to manage, secure, and control access to their NIN data.
“The story of your identity should be written by you, not sold for a quick payout,” the Commission stated.
NAN reports that the NIMC’s advisory comes amid rising concerns over digital identity theft and the misuse of personal data in Nigeria’s expanding fintech ecosystem.
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