Nigeria’s telecoms regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced new guidelines for National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment for foreigners residing in Nigeria.
The NCC said in a public notice today that all persons in Nigeria, including foreigners who use mobile networks, are required to register their SIM cards and link them with the NIN database.
According to the Commission, “Legally resident foreigners are to obtain a NIN by submitting valid resident/work permits at any NIMC Enrolment Centre.
“Foreigners on tourist or visiting visas are to tender their international passports to acquire SIM cards for use during their stay in Nigeria.
“If a visiting foreigner or tourist’s immigration status changes to residency or work permit, he or she will be required to obtain a NIN and link it to the registered SIM.”
The Commission noted in the statement that a NIN does not, however, confer citizenship on a foreigner, it only serves the purpose of identification.