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Reps Demand NCC Probe Into Unauthorised NIN-Linking By Telecoms

Reps Demand NCC Probe Into Unauthorised NIN-Linking By Telecoms
  • PublishedFebruary 5, 2025

The House of Representatives on Wednesday called for a thorough investigation into reports that telecom operators are linking National Identification Numbers (NIN) to subscribers’ phone lines without consent.

The lawmakers, in a motion of urgent public importance, have directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to examine the issue and take swift action against any telecom service provider found guilty of this practice.

The motion, jointly sponsored by Patrick Umoh (APC, Akwa Ibom) and Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), also sought clarification from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) on whether such linking of NINs by telecom operators is authorised and compliant with existing regulations.

In presenting the motion, Umoh expressed concerns over the risk posed by the telecom operators’ actions, which he said expose Nigerians to potential criminal activities.

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He emphasised that this practice is a clear violation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), 2019, which safeguard citizens’ personal data and privacy.

Further, he warned of the dangers posed by the unauthorised linking, including identity theft, financial fraud, and a growing wave of cybercrime in the country.

Umoh stressed that innocent citizens have been wrongfully implicated in crimes, leading to reputational damage and unnecessary legal challenges.

Support for the motion was voiced by Isiaka Ibrahim Ayokunle (APC, Ogun), who cited his own experience of discovering unknown numbers linked to his Airtel line without his consent, using the code *996#.

He urged the House to take swift action to address the issue and prevent further violations.

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