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The Nigerian Communications Commission has cautioned Nigerians regarding purchasing pre-registered SIM cards, stating that the practice is illegal and could result in serious repercussions.
In a notice seen on its X platform on Friday, the telecom regulator stressed that the use of pre-registered SIM cards compromises the accuracy of consumer information.
"Purchasing pre-registered SIM cards is unlawful and could result in imprisonment, involvement in identity theft, financial fraud, kidnapping, and armed robbery," a portion of the notice stated.
The NCC clarified that using a pre-registered SIM card undermines the reliability of data collected on consumers, making it difficult for authorities to identify and apprehend the actual perpetrators of crimes.
The warning is intended to inform the public about the dangers of using pre-registered SIM cards and to promote adherence to legal guidelines in order to bolster national security.
The commission urged individuals to follow the proper procedures for registering SIM cards to avoid any legal repercussions.
In December 2020, the Nigerian government initiated a move to streamline the identification process and combat scams.
The NCC mandated the linkage of SIM cards to National Identification Numbers (NIN), directing all telecommunications operators to enforce complete network barring on phone lines not linked to NINs.
Two phases of barring SIM cards not linked to NIN were implemented by the telcos, with the first occurring on February 28 and the second on March 29.
The regulator has extended the deadline for linking SIM cards to NIN (last phase) to July 31, 2024, from the initial deadline of April 15, specifically for subscribers with more than four SIMs.
