As part of efforts to ensure a strong database for the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said that registration of new Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards will now require the presentation of the National Identity Number (NIN).
The revelation was made by the agency's Executive Chairman, Prof, Umar Danbatta during the third yearly conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) at the weekend in Lagos.
According to Prof. Danbatta, who was represented by the Head, Online Media and Special Publication, Omoniyi Ibietan, the policy is in line with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2007 relating to NIN regulations, which provide that a person must provide his/her unique number to register a SIM card.
Consequently, Tibetan stated that the NCC, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and has set in motion, mechanisms for compliance.
The NCC, which said the enforcement of the new rule takes effect soon, noted that the move became necessary following the rising case of criminality in the country.
In another development, Nigeria added 1.95 million new subscribers to its networks between July and August.
Tibetan, promised that all avenues must be explored to cage the rising cases of insecurity in the country.