Reps Probe Unsolicited Linking Of Subscribers’ NINs To Unknown Phone Lines

The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, resolved to investigate what it called unsolicited and illegal linking of National Identification Numbers (NINs) of subscribers to unknown telephone lines by service providers.

Consequently, the House urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to investigate the reports about the trend and take immediate actions against any telecom service provider found to be culpable in the practice.

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

The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance jointly moved by Hon. Patrick Umoh (APC, Akwa Ibom) and the House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), at plenary.

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

He said the action was 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 National Identification Number (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 includes 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 lawmaker noted.

Adopting the motion, the House mandated its Committees on Communications and Interior to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.