President Bola Tinubu has set up an inter-ministerial committee to investigate reports that some telecom providers linked National Identification Numbers (NIN) to mobile SIM cards without customers’ consent.
Sources in the Presidency confirmed that Tinubu gave the directive on Tuesday during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja. The committee includes the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, as well as the Ministers of Interior, Budget and Economic Planning, Communications and Digital Economy, and Humanitarian Affairs.
The President directed the committee to look into the matter and ensure that accurate data is provided for the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to carry out its mandate effectively.
Reports indicate that some subscribers discovered their NINs were linked to unfamiliar SIM cards, while others found multiple numbers linked to their identity without permission. Consumer groups and affected individuals have raised concerns, demanding transparency and stricter data protection measures.
The House of Representatives has also launched an investigation following a motion raised by lawmakers during Wednesday’s plenary. Lawmakers warned that unauthorized NIN-SIM linkage could expose Nigerians to identity theft, fraud, and legal risks. They also cited violations of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.
The House has tasked its Committees on Communications and Interior with investigating the issue and reporting back within four weeks. Additionally, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been urged to take action against telecom providers found guilty of these violations.