It is the duty of MNOs to update SIM registration records with NIN — NCC
By Eyo Nsima
As part of its public enlightenment, the Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC, has emphasized that it is the duty of Mobile Network Providers (MNOs) to update SIM registration records with National Identification Number, NIN.
In his answers to pertinent questions, obtained by The Daily, www.thedaily-ng.com, from NCC website, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director, Public Affairs, NCC, said: “With regards to the directive by NCC (the regulator of the communications sector in Nigeria), on behalf of the Federal Government, Mobile Network Providers (MNOs) are to update SIM registration records with NIN.
“This will be done in collaboration with NIMC and the MNOs. More so other government institutions, state governments, and private companies have been approved as enrolment agents to MNOs subscribers.’
Continuing, he said: “The Federal Government recently announced that all agencies which collect biometric data should harmonize them with NIMC so that citizens do not have to provide the same information multiple times. Implementation of this is ongoing. For instance, the BVN is already being harmonized with NIN, the Nigerian Immigration Service now uses NIMC data for verifying personal data, and the Federal Road Safety Commission recently announced ongoing harmonization with the NIMC database.
“The number of Nigerians enrolled in all of the databases mentioned above is relatively small in comparison to the number of mobile phone subscribers in the country. Also, there is a huge disconnect between the details provided by many Nigerians when registering their SIMs compared to what was provided for other databases. This is why the harmonization cannot be carried out solely at the “back-end”.
“Please note that the NCC is doing everything possible to minimize the inconveniences arising from this critical exercise. This is why alternate channels (such as USSD and SMS) are being used for the verification so that people who have registered for the NIN and who provided accurate information to both NIMC and mobile operators can simply link from the comfort of their mobile handsets.”
He also added: “Further developments regarding the SIM update exercise will be communicated to the public as they unfold.”
