Are foreigners living in Nigeria and using Nigerian mobile networks also affected by the directive?
Yes. All persons in Nigeria who use mobile networks are required to register their SIM cards and link them with the NIN database.
Are foreigners required to obtain a NIN? And does having a NIN confer citizenship on a non-Nigerian?
- All legally resident foreigners (i.e. non-Nigerians living and working in Nigeria) are to obtain a NIN just like Nigerian citizens. They can do this by submitting valid resident/work permits at NIMC enrolment centres. However, foreigners on tourist or visiting visa are to tender their international passports to acquire a SIM. But where such a visiting foreigner or tourist’s immigration status changes to residency or work permit, he/she will be required to obtain NIN and link the registered SIM.
- NIN does not confer citizenship on foreigners but only serves to identify a person (citizens and legal residents).
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