SIM-NIN Integration: FG Lifts Ban on SIM Replacement

The federal government has rescinded its earlier suspension order on replacement and activation of old Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card.

This decision was contained in a joint statement issued and signed by Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Mr. Kayode Adegoke, head, Corporate Communication, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

In the statement titled: “SIM Replacement Policy for the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry, “the federal government stated that the decision to lift the suspension was based on the recommendations of the Technical Committee charged with the operationalization of the process to ensure an expedited linkage of all SIM Registration Records with NIN.

According to the statement, “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.

“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”.

It further stated that persons seeking for SIM Replacement must fully adhered to the following guidelines.

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 followed and adhered to.

“The Government would like to seize this opportunity to sincerely appreciate Nigerians for the understanding and commitment demonstrated towards ensuring the overall success of this exercise, “it added.