The Federal Government has unveiled guidelines for the replacement of misplaced or stolen SIM cards.
Before the current restrictions on the National Identifications Numbers, the major document telecoms companies required is an affidavit.
But the government has said that whoever wants to retrieve his line must present their NIN.
Besides, the National Identity Management Commission will verify the NINs presented by subscribers before Mobile Network Operators replace such SIM cards.
This is according to a statement jointly signed on Friday by the Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Ikechukwu Adinde; and Head, Corporate Communication, NIMC, Kayode Adegoke.
It read: “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 the following conditions:
“That the subscriber present an NIN;
“That an effective verification of the NIN is carried out by NIMC; and
“That the relevant Guidelines and Regulations of NCC concerning SIM Replacement are fully adhered to.
“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.”
