The Ministerial Task Force on the NIN-SIM registration Chaired by Minister of Communications and Digital Economy has at a 4th Review Meeting approved the establishment of dedicated SIM Swap Centres across the Local Government Areas by Telecommunications Companies (TELCOS).
A joint statement by NIMC’S Head of Corporate Communications Kayode Adegoke and Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission indicates that approval was also given for the extension of the tenure of NIN Enrolment Agent Licenses for the TELCOS from 1 to 5 years in consideration of their satisfactory performance, subject to continuous monitoring.
This is a deliberate effort of the Federal Government to simplify the enrolment process for Nigerians and legal residents.
The Technical Committee was however mandated to complete the development of a new SIM issuance strategy that cannot be compromised, especially through pre-registration by some agents while a Multi-Sectoral Adhoc Committee has been tasked to immediately complete the review of the processes for new SIM activations for legal residents staying in Nigeria for less than 24 months. Membership of the Committee was drawn from NCC, NIMC, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON).
The federal government expects that these measures will bring SIM Swap Centres closer to Nigerians regardless of their location.
