Starting March 1, 2010, all telecom operators across Nigeria will have to begin with SIM card registrations, as The Nigeria Communications Commission looks to improve telecom security in the country.

"With effect from March 1, 2010, all new SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) Cards in Nigeria must be registered before activation. The registration process will include the capture of the photograph and biometrics of the subscriber. Proxy registration shall be restricted to the direct families of persons seeking registration", said the NCC.

As per the Commission, valid identification documents like E-Passports, work place ID cards complete with Pension Identification /Tax Numbers, student ID cards from valid and recognized institutes or drivers license, among other equally important documents, would be essential at the time of registering for a SIM card.

All important stakeholders of the initial arrangements and the general public have already been informed by the Commission, which will ensure that the process is smooth and simple for all telecom operators.

"We have the technology, the issue is the will, and I think the NCC as well as the operators have clearly demonstrated that they have the will. We can source the technology from the market here”, said President of National Association of Telecom Companies, Emmanuel Ekuwem.