Reps begin probe of Telcos over illegal NIN-SIM linkage

The House of Representatives in Nigeria has mandated the Joint Committee on Communications and Interior to investigate unsolicited and illegal linkage of National Identification Number (NIN) by telecom service providers.

This followed the adoption of a motion jointly sponsored by Patrick Umoh (APC, Akwa Ibom) and Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo). The House also asked the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to investigate the reports and take action against any telecoms service provider found to be culpable.

It also asked the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to confirm whether the linking of NIN numbers by telecoms service providers was authorised and in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Umoh expressed concern over the recent reports of telecom service providers linking the NIN to subscribers’ lines without their consent, exposing them to criminal activities and subjecting legitimate NIN holders to grave risk.

He said: “The House recognises that the action is a clear violation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019, which guarantee the right to privacy and protection of personal data of every Nigerian. “Aware that the NIN was established to streamline the verification and identification of persons and enhance security in Nigeria.

“Also aware that the potential risks and consequences of this unauthorized data linking include identity theft, financial fraud, and other forms of cybercrime that have become rife in Nigeria lately.

“Further aware that innocent citizens have been wrongly implicated in crimes, suffer reputational damage, harassment and legal challenges for crimes they know nothing about.”

The motion was unanimously endorsed and the probe committee was given four weeks to conclude its assignment.