Recently, a report tagged Revised National Identity Policy for SIM Card Registration was published by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).
The Commission disclosed that network providers will be required to cross-check all phones’ International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) and status on a proposed Centralized Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) otherwise known as Device Management System (DMS) before allowing a device to become active on their network.
Part of the report reads, “To achieve this, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would be responsible for the implementation and management of the DMS to achieve the policy objectives”.
“The implementation of a Centralized Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) otherwise known as Device Management System (DMS) will serve as a repository for keeping records of all registered mobile phones’ International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) and owners of such devices”.
“IMEIs that have been reported as either stolen or illegal will be shared through the DMS to all the operators and service providers. The purpose is to ensure that such devices do not work even if different SIM Cards are inserted in those devices”.
“DMS will also provide access to all operators to cross-check the IMEIs and their status before allowing a device to become active on their network.
“Furthermore, registered mobile phone technicians will also be provided with an interface to check IMEIs and ensure it has not been reported as stolen or illegal before they render their technical services”.
The NCC has stated that the purpose of the move was to restrict the fake mobile phone market, discourage mobile phone theft, protect consumer interest, increase revenue generation for the government, reduce the rate of kidnapping, mitigate the use of stolen phones for crime, and support the blocking or tracing of stolen mobile phones and enhance national security.
This in essence means any Nigerian who wants to register a new SIM for a new device would have to comply, as failure to comply means the individual would be unable to make calls, send text messages, or use the internet except through WiFi.
This policy will be implemented within three months.
