Survey of Subscriber Identity Module Card Registration Compliance and Security Implications in Kwara State

Mandatory biometric subscriber identity module card registration is a regulatory security measure designed to curb telecommunications-facilitated crime, eliminate ghost subscribers from network rolls, and enhance national security intelligence capabilities. This study surveys the compliance status of SIM card registration and its security implications in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria, following the completion of the NCC-mandated biometric registration exercise. A descriptive study design was adopted, combining structured questionnaires administered to 310 mobile subscribers in Ilorin, Offa, and Lafiagi, supplemented by interviews with eight regulatory compliance officers at telecom operators and six law enforcement liaison officers. Survey data captured registration status, documentation used for registration, awareness of data privacy rights, and perceptions of post-registration crime deterrence. Results indicate that 91% of surveyed subscribers had completed biometric SIM registration, with the remaining 9% citing absence of valid national identification as the primary barrier. Awareness of data protection rights under the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation was low at 22% of respondents. Law enforcement officers reported a 28% reduction in telecommunications-facilitated fraud cases in Kwara following registration completion, though causality is difficult to establish. Data sharing practices by operators with third parties were identified as an emerging security concern by privacy-aware respondents. Recommendations include public education on data rights, independent audit of operator data handling compliance, and review of SIM registration data retention periods. Keywords: SIM registration, cybersecurity, Kwara State, NCC compliance, subscriber data.