House of Representatives Probes Telcos Over Unauthorized NIN-SIM Linkage

 The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into telecommunications companies over allegations of unauthorized National Identity Number (NIN) linkage to phone numbers, which has exposed legitimate NIN holders to potential criminal activities.

During a plenary session on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, lawmakers adopted a motion of urgent public importance to address the issue. The motion was co-sponsored by Patrick Umoh (Akwa Ibom State) and Julius Ihonvbere (House Majority Leader, Owan Constituency, Edo State), both members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The NIN-SIM linkage initiative, mandated by the Federal Government in 2020, aimed to enhance security and curb fraudulent activities by requiring all SIM cards to be registered with a valid NIN. However, recent reports have emerged of unauthorized linkages, leaving innocent Nigerians vulnerable to identity theft, financial fraud, and other cybercrimes.

Presenting the motion, Umoh stressed that such fraudulent linkages violate the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019. He highlighted cases where unsuspecting citizens faced reputational damage, harassment, and legal challenges for crimes they had no connection to.

Ibrahim Isiaka, an APC lawmaker from Ogun, shared his personal experience as a victim of unauthorized linkage, revealing that four phone numbers were linked to his NIN without his consent.

Following deliberations, the motion was adopted, and the House directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to investigate and penalize any telecommunications company found culpable. The committees on communication and interior were also tasked with conducting a thorough investigation and reporting back within four weeks for further legislative action.