The National Assembly (NASS) through the House of Representatives has mandated the Joint Committee on Communications and Interior to investigate the unsolicited and illegal linkage of National Identification Numbers (NIN) by telecom service providers.
This decision followed the adoption of a motion jointly sponsored by Patrick Umoh (APC, Akwa Ibom) and Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo). The House also requested that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) investigate the reports and take action against any telecom service providers found to be culpable.
Additionally, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has been asked to confirm whether the linking of NINs by telecom service providers was authorised and compliant with relevant laws and regulations.
Umoh expressed concern over recent reports indicating that telecom service providers have linked NINs to subscribers’ lines without their consent, thereby exposing them to criminal activities and putting legitimate NIN holders at risk.
He said, “The House recognises that this 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 the protection of personal data for every Nigerian. We are aware that the NIN was established to streamline the verification and identification of individuals and enhance security in Nigeria.
“We are also aware that the potential risks and consequences of this unauthorised data linking include identity theft, financial fraud, and other forms of cybercrime that have become increasingly prevalent in Nigeria recently.
“Furthermore, we are aware that innocent citizens have been wrongly implicated in crimes, suffering reputational damage, harassment, and legal challenges for offences they know nothing about,” he said.
The motion was unanimously endorsed, and the probe committee was given four weeks to conclude its assignment.
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