The Federal Government at the weekend lifted the embargo on subscribers’ replacement of their lost, stolen, misplaced or damaged SIM cards.
A statement jointly signed by Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director, Public Affairs, National Communications Commission (NCC) and Mr. Kayode Adegoke, Head, Corporate Communication, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC); disclosed that the policy shift is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce the burden the restrictions on registration of new SIM cards of replacement of lost ones is having on subscribers.
It said aside the policy aimed at simplifying the exercise, it also aimed at enabling telecommunications service users who need to replace their damaged, stolen or misplaced SIMs to re-establish access to telecom services.
The statement quoted the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami who announced the government decision in a statement on Saturday, as however listed the following conditions under which the SIM replacement policy will be permitted: 1.That the subscriber present a NIN; 2.That an effective verification of the NIN is carried out by NIMC; and 3.That the relevant guidelines and regulations of NCC concerning SIM replacement are fully adhered to.
The statement reads in part: “The Federal Government drive to ensure all Subscriber registrations are linked with National Identification Numbers (NINs) is moving forward and all stakeholders in the industry are working together to ensure the process is carried out as seamlessly as possible.
“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 subject to conditions.”
