NCC Issues New Legal Guidelines for SIM Replacement Security

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced new legal guidelines governing SIM card replacement procedures across the country. The move aims to bolster digital identity security and combat prevalent SIM-related fraud, protecting telecom subscribers.

These guidelines are expected to standardise the processes adopted by mobile network operators (MNOs) when individuals seek to replace lost, stolen, or damaged Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs). The NCC’s intervention underscores a commitment to safeguarding consumer data and preventing unauthorised access to personal accounts often linked to SIM swap incidents.

SIM swap fraud remains a significant concern in Nigeria, where criminals illicitly obtain a victim’s phone number, often by tricking a service provider into porting the number to a new SIM card. This enables them to bypass multi-factor authentication and gain access to bank accounts, email, and other digital services.

While specific details of the new guidelines were not immediately released, they are anticipated to introduce stricter verification protocols, ensuring that only legitimate subscribers can regain access to their mobile lines. This initiative aligns with broader national efforts to secure digital transactions and personal information in Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.