Telecom
NIN: NCC Tightens Loose Ends, Introduce Self-Help Measure
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has announced a revised set of regulations to guide subscriber identity module (SIM) card and National Identity Number (NIN) rules, intended to tighten loose ends and introduce self-help measures.
One of the key highlights of the “Business Rules issued pursuant to the Registration of Communications Subscribers Regulation in support of the National Identity Policy for SIM Card registration and related activities published in 2022 which is premised on the mandatory use of a NIN” stated that “Record of all recycled SIMs shall be purged of any NIN attached, this is to allow new subscriber register or submit and link a new NIN.
The scope of application of the new rule in a document sighted yesterday at the Commission’s website covered NIN-SIM Registration Database Harmonization; New SIM Activation and Registration; Corporate, Internet-of-Things (IoT) and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) activations; SIM Activation for foreigners; Mobile Number Portability (MNP); Churned and Recycled SIMs; and agents and dealers governance.
Under the new rule, corporate new SIM sales/activation shall have a Primary Telecoms Master (Telecom Master) shall be minimum Executive Management Staff while corporate subscribers have the option of also appointing a secondary or operations telecoms master.
It said both Primary & Secondary/Operations Telecoms Master shall be indicated in a Telecom Master Authorization letter.
Machine to Machine (M2M) SIM registrations will only require NIN of the Primary Telecom Master.
Telecoms master authorization letter shall be signed by one or two C-Level staff (or above) of the corporate organization.
The Telecoms Master Authorization Letter shall provide among others, registered names of the Primary Telecoms Master, Official Designation of the Primary Telecoms Master, NIN of the Primary Telecoms Master i.e. Primary NIN, MSISDN of the Primary Telecoms Master (within the corporate account).
It stated however that registered names of the Secondary/Operations Telecoms Master (Optional).
It must also contain official designation of the secondary/operations telecoms master; MSISDN of the Secondary/Operations Telecoms Master (within the corporate account); NIN of the Secondary Telecom Master; Indemnity letter specifying the full responsibilities and liabilities of the Primary Telecoms Master and signed by the Primary Telecoms Master and C-Level staff of the Corporate Organization
A CSV file (or other searchable format) of all associated/secondary SIMs on the same account is provided (not applicable for internet of things (IoT)/M2M). This shall provide all associated SIMs on the account; first, Middle (optional) and last Names of each Secondary User; NIN of each Secondary user i.e. Secondary NIN; alternate SIMs of Secondary Users; Certificate of Incorporation with Registration Number duly verified by Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) (not applicable to companies listed on Nigerian Stock Exchange); tax Clearance Certificate or Tax Identification Number (not applicable to companies listed on Nigerian Stock Exchange).
Public sector and government organizations are also to present legal instruments showing evidence of establishment; Verify Primary Telecom Master NIN by matching Communications Service Providers Primary Telecom Master SIM Registration with NIMC records of Primary Telecom Master NIN.
Where there are mismatches or Primary Telecom Master SIM Registration is unavailable in respect of an Existing Corporate Subscriber, Communications Service Providers shall obtain Primary Telecom Master Passport Photograph and other demographic details; Communications Service Providers shall verify Primary Telecom Master NIN records against details provided via the electronic facial matching and case-management which includes manual facial verification process; Communications Service Providers shall provide NIMC records to Primary Telecom Master and obtain consent to use the records as Corporate SIM Registration,” it stated.
It stated that Communications Service Providers shall update Primary Telecom Master SIM Registration with NIMC records; store consent, passport photo and all other documents on the account.
Communications Service Providers shall validate the Secondary NIN of the Corporate. This shall not be applicable for IOT/M2M; Communications Service Providers shall copy verified Primary Telecom Master NIN and each validated Secondary NIN on the SIMs accordingly;
Where a Data only service is particular to individual use e.g home, car tracking, WiFi, MiFi services, et al, the standard NIN registration process will apply;
Where Primary Telecom Master’s NIN data and Communications Service Providers SIM Registration records match, and Secondary Telecom Master’s NIN is successfully verified, other forms of verification shall not be required;
Where Primary Telecom Master’s NIN data and Communications Service Providers SIM Registration KYC records do not match (or where Primary Telecom Master’s SIM Registration database is not available), SIM Registration data shall be updated with NIN details upon facial verification of Primary Telecom Master’s passport photograph and consent form from corporate subscriber;
Any peculiar request different from any Corporate entity which is at variance to the General Rules on Corporate and IoT/M2M SIM activation shall be treated on case by case basis after such corporate entity procures a waiver from NCC and upon written directives from the NCC to the concerned Communications Service Providers.
A check must be carried out by the Communications Service Providers for all new activations and port-in requests to ensure that the limit on the number of activations per subscriber as specified by the Commission from time to time are strictly adhered to.
The total number of SIMs an individual subscriber is permitted to acquire is a maximum of four SIMs with a single NIN on any Communications Service Providers’ network. Provided that the rule shall have no retroactive effect on SIMs purchased prior to April 27, 2021. This limit shall not apply to Corporate and IoT/M2M activation scenarios.
In respect of Foreigners who wish to activate New SIM (which includes subscription medium), and perform MNP (porting of numbers), the following general rules shall apply:
Foreigners who are lawfully residing in Nigeria for a period of two years or more fall under the category of Registrable persons and shall require a NIN to register their SIM and request for MNP; and foreigners validly transiting through Nigeria or are employed in or reside in Nigeria for less than 24 months are exempted from the mandatory use of NIN requirement.
Persons in this category need to provide justification that they will be residing in Nigeria for less than two years.
NIN is mandatory for foreigners with legal residency status or those living in Nigeria for two years and above.
For those who do not already have a NIN, Communications Service Providers shall capture the resident’s details for NIN issuance as part of the NIN enrolment process, upon presentation of resident permits; foreigners with Visitor’s visas (with visa less than two years) do not require a NIN.
MNOs will capture the International passport biodata page; and Visa page.
Foreigners with Diplomatic visas (including family diplomatic visas) will also require a NIN for their personal telephone lines if they are staying in Nigeria for two or more years.
Those staying less than two years will require International passport biodata page and letter from embassy indicating that their stay is for less than two years.
In respect of Embassies and Diplomatic Mission, what shall be required include the data page containing the passport number of the diplomatic passport of the Head of Mission/Embassy along with a Letter of Request signed by the Ambassador or its equivalent for registration of the official telephone lines of the Embassy/Mission in Nigeria shall be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for verification and confirmation and registration of the SIMs; SIM (which includes subscription medium) of the diplomatic missions are to be linked with Corporate Diplomatic Identification Number (CDIN) which will be unique to each diplomatic mission.
Each mission will also be responsible for managing the lines and allocating them internally. Furthermore, the head of Mission is to serve as the Telecom Master or point of contact for the mission.
The rule also set out self-service option. It noted that the self-service option for resolving biometric mismatches can only be conducted by the Communications Service Provider itself and cannot be an option for such activity by an agent or third party.
All self-service activities shall be in line with the specifications and requirements set out in 1 of these Business Rules.
Agents, third parties and other entities are not allowed to use the self-service option for any service, mismatch resolution or data update. This category must conduct these activities in a controlled environment.
It said a controlled environment for the purposes of these Business Rules must be properly lit and illuminated; Images should be captured against a white or plain background; it must have the logo of the Communications Service Provider; it must be operated by a duly licensed and approved agent; the agent must have a valid means of identification and a verified NIN; the registration centre must be a permanent structure; and the premises must be clearly marked a “SIM Card Registration Centre”.
MENXTT TECH NG, a Lagos-based technology company, has launched an initiative to make quality Dell laptops more affordable for Nigerians through flexible payment plans and extended warranty support.
The company said the initiative was aimed at helping students, entrepreneurs, professionals and small businesses acquire reliable computing devices despite rising technology costs.
According to the company, customers can now purchase premium pre-owned Dell Latitude, Dell Precision and Dell Inspiron laptops at competitive prices, with selected models available under staggered payment arrangements.
The laptops, it said, are designed to meet the needs of users ranging from students and office workers to architects, engineers, software developers, graphic designers and video editors.
Speaking on the initiative, the Co-Founder of MENXTT TECH NG, Mr Anthony Emeka Nwosu, said access to quality technology should not be limited by financial constraints.
“A laptop is no longer a luxury; it is an essential tool for education, business and career development.
“Unfortunately, many people are forced to settle for unreliable devices because of the high cost of new laptops.
“At MENXTT TECH NG, we want to bridge that gap by providing durable Dell business laptops at affordable prices, backed by a full one-year warranty and flexible payment plans.
“We want every student, entrepreneur, freelancer and business owner to have access to technology that helps them succeed,” he said.
Nwosu explained that every laptop undergoes comprehensive testing before delivery and comes with a one-year warranty, an original charger, a complimentary laptop bag, Windows 11 operating system and Microsoft Office Suite pre-installed.
He added that the company, an authorised Bitdefender Antivirus reseller in Nigeria, also installs genuine Bitdefender security software on every system to protect customers against cyber threats.
According to him, customers requiring additional productivity tools can also have licensed Foxit PDF software installed on their devices.
Nwosu said the flexible payment option was introduced in response to prevailing economic realities, enabling customers to spread payments over an agreed period.
He noted that the arrangement would make it easier for students, startups and growing businesses to acquire quality computers without placing excessive pressure on their finances.
Beyond laptop sales, the company provides information technology consultancy, computer repairs, software licensing, cybersecurity solutions and digital transformation services to organisations across Nigeria.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital economy by making dependable computing devices and enterprise technology solutions more accessible to individuals and businesses.
According to him, the initiative reflects MENXTT TECH NG’s vision of combining affordability, quality products and professional after-sales support to help more Nigerians participate in the country’s expanding digital ecosystem. (NAN)
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for stronger collaboration among government, industry, academia and technology professionals to accelerate digital innovation and drive inclusive economic growth in Nigeria.
Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director, Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, representing the Director General of NITDA, delivers a goodwill message at the 20th International Conference on Technology and Computing (RISE 2026) in Jos, reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to fostering digital innovation, strategic collaboration, and a technology-driven future for Nigeria.
The agency made the call at the 20th Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) International Conference 2026, held in Jos, Plateau State, where stakeholders examined strategies for leveraging emerging technologies to strengthen national development.
Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of NITDA, Mr Kashifu Inuwa, the agency’s Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, Dr Aristotle Onumo, said Nigeria’s digital transformation would depend on sustained investment in innovation, digital skills, research and strategic partnerships.
According to him, collaboration across the public and private sectors is essential to translate emerging technologies into practical solutions capable of improving governance, creating jobs and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.
Onumo said NITDA remained committed to implementing its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan through initiatives that promote digital literacy, research and development, innovation ecosystems, cyber sovereignty and emerging technologies.
He added that the agency was expanding opportunities for innovators, entrepreneurs and startups through platforms designed to encourage collaboration, investment and technology-driven enterprise.
“We are transforming Digital Nigeria into the nation’s foremost innovation platform where policymakers, investors, startups, researchers and technology companies can collaborate to accelerate economic growth and digital transformation,” he said.
He urged innovators, startup founders and technology professionals to participate actively in the forthcoming Builders Summit by showcasing indigenous solutions capable of addressing Nigeria’s development challenges.
Declaring the conference open, the Governor of Plateau State, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, described digital technology as a critical driver of governance and economic development.
Mutfwang said his administration had adopted digital solutions to improve public service delivery, modernise government operations and enhance internally generated revenue.
He also identified technology as a key enabler for agricultural transformation, increased productivity and improved food security, urging participants to ensure that deliberations at the conference translate into practical outcomes for national development.
Earlier, the President of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Prof. Muhammad Sirajo, said the conference was organised to strengthen collaboration among policymakers, researchers, regulators, technology professionals and industry leaders.
Sirajo said the conference, with the theme “Harnessing Digital Innovation and Emerging Technologies for Inclusive Growth and Economic Renaissance (RISE 2026),” focused on exploring how innovation could accelerate Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
He identified artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, cybersecurity and robotics as among the technologies shaping the future of economies across the world.
According to him, Nigeria’s youthful population and expanding digital ecosystem provide a strong foundation for building a globally competitive economy through sustained investment in digital infrastructure, innovation and skills development.
The conference attracted government officials, regulators, academics, development partners, technology professionals and private-sector stakeholders to deliberate on policies and innovations aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation and inclusive economic renaissance.
Telecom
Hon. Minister Dr. Kingsley T. Udeh and ASUS To Unveil First of a Kind Flagship Store in West Africa
In a landmark moment for Nigeria’s technology retail sector, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh SAN, will on Monday, August 3rd, commission a landmark ASUS Flagship Store in partnership with Nigeria’s leading e-commerce group Konga. The state-of-the-art facility is widely regarded as the first initiative of its kind in West Africa.
The commissioning will witness the visit of senior executives from the world-renowned technology brand to Nigeria, including EMEA General Manager, Mr. Aaron Tsai, alongside other. One of the purposes of their visit is to reinforce the strategic partnership with Konga and solidify the collaboration between both organisations, further demonstrating ASUS’ commitment to the Nigerian market.
The event is expected to also bring together key stakeholders from government, the technology industry, business community, and the media for what promises to be a defining moment in the evolution of technology retail in the region.
The development comes as Konga continues to accelerate its strategic partnerships with some of the world’s leading technology brands.
For years, Nigerian consumers have demanded more than just access to genuine technology products. They have increasingly sought immersive experiences, expert guidance, after-sales support, and greater confidence when making technology investments. The next chapter in this journey appears to address many of these expectations in a bold and innovative way.
The forthcoming announcement is expected to bring together global innovation in a manner that reflects the changing realities of today’s technology consumer. It also reinforces the growing confidence that leading international technology companies continue to place in Nigeria as one of Africa’s most strategic digital markets.
Industry analysts note that partnerships of this nature are becoming increasingly important as consumers place greater emphasis on authenticity, hands-on product experiences, technical support, and trusted purchase channels. Beyond selling devices, the future of technology retail lies in building complete customer experiences.
As anticipation builds for Monday, one thing is certain: the ASUS-Konga partnership promises to set new standards for tech retail in West Africa, elevating customer experience and reinforcing Nigeria’s digital transformation narrative.
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