NIN linking scandal: Reps probe telecom firms

• Urged NCC to sanction culprits

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives Wednesday resolved to investigate reports that telecom service providers in Nigeria are illegally linking National Identification Numbers (NIN) to subscribers’ lines without their consent.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Patrick Umoh and Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, who raised concerns over the potential risks associated with unauthorized NIN-linking. According to the lawmakers, such actions expose unsuspecting Nigerians to identity theft, financial fraud, and other cybercrimes.

The Lawmakers noted that this practice violates the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019, both of which guarantee the right to privacy and protection of personal data.

The House acknowledged that while the NIN system was introduced to enhance security and identity verification, its misuse by telecom operators could lead to dire consequences, including wrongful implication in criminal activities, reputational damage, and legal troubles for innocent citizens.

To address the issue, the House resolved to urge the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to investigate the allegations and sanction any telecom service provider found culpable.

It also called on the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to clarify whether telecom operators were authorized to link NINs without subscribers’ consent.

The House mandated the House Committees on Communications and Interior to conduct a thorough investigation and report back within four weeks.

The lawmakers emphasized the need to protect Nigerians from privacy breaches and ensure that telecom operators strictly adhere to data protection regulations.