HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DIRECTS NCC TO INVESTIGATE UNAUTHORIZED LINKAGE OF NIN WITH TELECOM LINES 05-02-25
By Sadiq Aminu The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to investigate the indiscriminate linking of Nigerians’ National Identity Number, NIN with Telecom lines without their consents.
The Green Chamber in an urgent motion of Public importance sponsored by House majority leader Professor Julius Inhonvbere and Dr. Patrick Umoh, noted that the action by telecom service providers have exposed legitimate NIN holders to grave risks
Dr. Umoh while moving the motion, explained that the linking of individuals NIN to telecom lines without consent amounted to data and identity theft.
“Further aware that innocent citizens have been wrongly implicated in crimes, suffer reputational damage, harassment and legal challenges for crimes they know nothing about”
According to Dr. Umoh, the action is a clear violation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation which guarantee the right to privacy and protection of personal data of every Nigerian.
Adopting the motion the House mandated the Nigerian Communications Commission to investigate the reports and take immediate actions against any telecom service provider found to be culpable in this practice
The Green Chamber also urged the National Identity Management Commission to confirm whether the linking of NIN numbers by telecom service providers was authorized and in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.