Data Protection: Tinubu constitutes committee to probe unauthorised NIN-SIM linkage

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sets up an inter-ministerial Committee to investigate the Mobile Network Operators’ alleged linkage of telecoms subscribers’ National Identification Numbers to their SIM Cards without consent, for improved transparency and stronger data protection measures in the Nigerian digital ecosystem

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to the recent reports indicating Telcos’ unauthorised linkage of telecoms consumers’ National Identification Numbers (NINs) to their Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Cards, the Federal Government of Nigeria has also waded into the matter by setting up an inter-ministerial Committee to investigate the allegations.

ConsumerConnect reports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Tuesday, February 4, 2025, constituted an inter-ministerial Committee to investigate the Mobile Network Operators’ (MNOs) purported linkage of telecoms subscribers’ NINs to their phone lines without consent.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presiding at the FEC Meeting, in Abuja, FCT

It is noted that telecoms subscribers discovered that their phone lines had been linked to “unfamiliar” NIN records, or had their own NINs associated with multiple mobile lines without authorisation.

Earlier, the House of Representatives, consumer advocacy groups, as well as some affected individuals have called for investigations into how such linking occurred.

They emphasised the need for improved transparency and stronger data protection measures in the country’s digital ecosystem.

Tinubu constitutes inter-ministerial Committee to probe allegations 

Competent sources in the Presidency also confirmed that President Tinubu, in underscoring the seriousness of the allegations, gave the directive Tuesday during the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, in the State House, Abuja, FCT.

The Committee has Malam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA); Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister for Interior; Atiku Bagudu, Minister for Budget and Economic Planning; Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; and Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, as members.

The President who reportedly listened to a briefing by the Minister of Interior on the issue, directed that the Committee consider the matter and provide the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction with accurate data to accomplish its mandate.

A source privy to the deliberations during the FEC meeting Tuesday also said, “it is an inter-ministerial Committee; the President asked the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, the Minister of Interior, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and that of Education, too, to figure out what is going on and deal with the issue.

“The National Security Adviser is also on that committee. The Interior Minister is there because, you know, NIMC is under the Interior.”

Another source also told The Punch that “it is true; the President set up a small committee to take care of the challenge of the NIN-SIM linkage.

“The one involving Telcos. He wants that issue resolved as soon as possible.”

House of Representatives directs NCC to investigate unauthorised NIN-SIM integration

The House of Representatives, in the National Assembly (NASS), Abuja, at a plenary held Tuesday, February 4, had urged the Federal Government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to investigate the reported unauthorised linkage of Nigerians’ NINs to telecoms lines without such citizens’ consent.

The House of Representatives’ resolution followed an urgent motion of public importance, which Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, House Majority Leader, and Dr. Patrick Umoh moved during the plenary.

Presenting the motion, Dr. Umoh described the unauthorised linkage of Nigerians’ NINs as a case of “data and identity theft”.

According to him, the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation, 2019, which protects the privacy and personal data of all Nigerian consumers.

He stated: “This action is a clear violation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act and the NDPR, which guarantee the right to privacy and data protection for every Nigerian.”

The lawmaker equally noted: “The linking of NINs to SIM Cards without consent exposes citizens to serious risks, including identity theft, financial fraud, and other forms of cybercrime.”

Umoh as well cautioned that the practice must have exposed legitimate NIN holders to significant risks, including wrongful criminal implications, reputational damage, harassment, and legal troubles.

He restated that the practice violates the Nigeria Data Protection Act and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation, which both guarantee citizens’ rights to privacy and personal data protection.

After their deliberations Tuesday, the House mandated the Nigerian Communications Commission to investigate the claims, and take an immediate action against any MNOs found culpable.

The lawmakers urged the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to confirm whether the linkage of NINs by the Mobile Telecoms Operators (MNOs) was authorised and in compliance with the West African country’s relevant laws and regulations.