Over 41.59 million Nigerians have obtained their National Identification Numbers; since the Federal Government first banned the sales of SIM cards in December 2020.
In December 2020, the Federal Government banned the sale of new SIM cards and other related activities. Following its directive asking subscribers to link National Identity Numbers with their SIM cards.
It stated that it wanted to carry out an audit to verify if Mobile Network Operators were complying with quality standards; and requirements of SIM card registration as issued by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and the Nigerian Communications Commission.
“Accordingly, Mobile Network Operators are hereby directed to immediately suspend the sale, registration, and activation of new SIM Cards until the audit exercise is concluded. And Government has conveyed the new direction.
“As the minister has earlier directed in January 2020, all citizens are to immediately secure Digital Identification; from the National Identity Management Commission and submit it to the Network Operators.”
-Punch.