Reps order probe into unauthorised NIN linking by telecom providers

The House of Representatives on Wednesday directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to immediately investigate recent reports of telecom service providers linking National Identification Numbers (NIN) to subscribers’ lines without their consent.

This decision followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Patrick Umoh and Prof. Julius Ihonvbere during a plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

Additionally, the House urged the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to confirm whether telecom service providers were authorized to link NINs and if the process complied with relevant laws and regulations.

While presenting the motion, the lawmakers expressed concern over reports that telecom service providers have linked NINs to subscribers’ lines without consent, exposing individuals to criminal activities and placing legitimate NIN holders at significant risk. They emphasized that this action violates the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), 2019, both of which guarantee the right to privacy and the protection of personal data.

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The lawmakers acknowledged that the NIN system was established to streamline identity verification and enhance security. However, they warned that unauthorized data linking could lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and other forms of cybercrime, which have become increasingly prevalent in Nigeria. They further highlighted cases where innocent citizens were wrongfully implicated in crimes, suffered reputational damage, faced harassment, and encountered legal challenges for offenses they knew nothing about.

When the motion was put to a voice vote, it received unanimous support from members. The House subsequently mandated the Committees on Communications and Interior to conduct a thorough investigation and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.