Nigeria’s House of Representatives urges the Federal Government through the Nigerian Communications Commission to investigate the reported unauthorised linkage of Nigerians’ National Identification Numbers to telecoms lines without such citizens’ consent, warning against significant risks to concerned citizens
Against the backdrop of any significant and untold risks to concerned Nigerians, the House of Representatives, in the National Assembly (NASS), Abuja, FCT, has urged the Federal Government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to investigate the reported unauthorised linkage of Nigerians’ National Identification Numbers (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 held Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
Presenting the motion, Dr. Umoh described the unauthorised linkage of Nigerians’ NINs as a case of “data and identity theft”.
The Federal lawmaker also warned that the practice must have exposed legitimate NIN holders to significant risks, including wrongful criminal implications, reputational damage, harassment, and legal troubles.
He further stated that the practice violates the Nigeria Data Protection Act and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPA), which both guarantee citizens’ rights to privacy and personal data protection.
Following deliberations Tuesday, the House later mandated the Nigerian Communications Commission to probe the claims, and take an immediate action against any telecoms service providers found culpable in this regard.
The legislators as well 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.
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