WEEK BRIEF: New NIN-SIM linkage deadline, N1.4bn ransom payments, under-18 WASSCE ban, other top news

The past week in Nigeria has been marked by a diverse range of issues that have dominated the national discourse. From the ongoing NIN-SIM linkage saga to the alarming rate of ransom payments to kidnappers, the planned strike by ASUU, the smuggling of fuel from Nigeria, and the under-18 restriction for SSCE, it’s been a mixed bag of challenges and silver linings.

One of the most significant developments has been the final deadline announced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage.

This move is aimed at enhancing national security and curbing criminal activities. While some Nigerians have complied, others have expressed frustration with the process, citing difficulties in obtaining their National Identification Number (NIN).

In a statement signed by the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, on Wednesday, the regulator also announced that over 153 million SIMs had been successfully linked to NINs, leaving only four per cent of mobile users yet to comply with the directive.

The commission warned that failure to do so will result in consequences, including the risk of having their mobile services disconnected.

“To ensure full compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy, the NCC has directed all Mobile Network Operators to complete the mandatory verification and linkage of SIMs to NINs by September 14, 2024. Effective September 15, 2024, the commission expects that no SIM operating in Nigeria will be without a valid NIN,” the telecom regulator stated.

The NCC stated that through collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Identity Management Commission it has uncovered alarming cases where individuals possessed an unusually high number of SIM cards, some exceeding 100,000.

“The sale and purchase of pre-registered SIMs are criminal offenses punishable by imprisonment and fines. We encourage citizens to report any such activities to the commission via our toll-free line (622) or through our social media platforms,” the commission added.

N1.04bn ransom paid to kidnappers

In another disturbing trend, a report revealed that Nigerians paid a staggering N1.04 billion as ransom to kidnappers in just one year.

The report stated that oo fewer than N1.4 billion was paid by Nigerians as ransom to kidnappers across the country from July 2023 to June 2024, a new report by SBM Intelligence has revealed.

According to the security intel gathering firm, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has the highest ransom demands, followed closely by Lagos and Kaduna, adding that “when comparing geopolitical zones, the Southeast has the highest ransom paid and collection rate overall.”

The firm said its research found that within the period under review, no fewer than 7,568 people were abducted in 1,130 incidents across the country.

The report stated further that “In that same period, kidnappers demanded at least the sum of N10,995,090,000 (approximately $6,871,931) as ransom but received N1,048,110,000, a mere 9.5% of the money demanded, indicating that kidnappers have become less targeted in their victimology”

This alarming figure highlights the growing concern of insecurity in the country, with many calling for urgent action from the government to address the issue.

ASUU planned strike

Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced plans to embark on another strike, citing unmet demands by the Federal Government.

On Wednesday, the representatives of the Federal Government and members of ASUU convened to discuss ways to avert an impending strike by university lecturers. The meeting, aimed at addressing key issues raised by ASUU, will reconvene on September 6.

Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, who disclosed this in Abuja, stated that the government is collaborating with ASUU to develop solutions to the contentious issues at hand.

This move has raised concerns among students, parents, and stakeholders, who fear that the strike could further disrupt the academic calendar.

In a bizarre twist, reports have emerged of fuel smuggling from Nigeria to neighbouring countries. This development has sparked debate about the country’s fuel subsidy regime and the need for urgent reform.

The Federal Government acknowledged that fuel smuggling from Nigeria to neighboring countries is an issue that cannot be entirely eradicated.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, highlighted this at the 2024 Energy and Labour Summit in Abuja, explaining that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) lacks the funds necessary to rebuild the nation’s aging pipelines, which contributes to the problem.

“The reason why pipeline vandalism is very easy to do is because the pipelines have all expired; they are completely corroded. So, anybody can just go and tap it, and the thing is busted,” he said.

Restriction for SSCE exams

In a bid to curb malpractice, the government has introduced an under-18 restriction for SSCE candidates. The Federal Government officially barred individuals under the age of 18 from participating in the National Examinations Council (NECO) and West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams.

This announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’ program.

Prof. Mamman explained that the government has instructed WAEC, which conducts the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), and NECO, which oversees the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), to enforce the 18-year age requirement for exam candidates. He emphasized that this directive is not a new policy but a reaffirmation of existing regulations.

While some have praised the move, others have argued that it could deny deserving students the opportunity to write the exams.

Parents and stakehlders have expressed divergent views on the recent announcement by the Federal Government limiting the minimum age of candidates suitable to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

While some showed support, saying the policy is long overdue for implementation, many others condemned it in its entirety, saying it’s absolutely retrogressive for a country like Nigeria.

DSS gets new boss

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi as the new Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), to replace Yusuf Magaji Bichi.

The former DG was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari on 14 September 2018.

He had replaced Matthew Seiyefa.