The former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, has expressed concern over the inadequate use of the National Identification Number-SIM (NIN-SIM) database by Nigerian security operatives in addressing the country’s increasing cases of kidnapping and insecurity.
Pantami, who proposed the contentious policy requiring mobile phone numbers to be linked to National Identification Numbers (NIN) by December 2020, voiced concern that the programme’s stated goal was not being completely accomplished. This concern came up as a result of the kidnapping of six girls in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
In response to inquiries on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) about the NIN-SIM policy seeming inefficient, Pantami said that the system had proven successful while he was in office. However, he also cited the failure of pertinent institutions to apply the policy in the fight against criminal activity.
“NIN-SIM policy has been working. However, the relevant institutions fighting criminality are to be requested to ensure they utilise it effectively when a crime is committed. Lack of utilisation is the main problem, not the policy. While in office, I know three instances where the policy was utilised, and it led to the success of their operations,” he stated.
The former minister added that he is more frustrated than anyone as he ignored the threats to his life to push the NIN-SIM policy.
“On the lack of utilisation, I am more worried than anyone, as my life was threatened by criminals for reintroducing it, including on BBC Hausa and national dailies. I resisted and ensured its implementation. If it is not being utilised by the relevant institutions in charge of securing lives and property, then I am more frustrated than any person, as I sacrificed my life and ignored all the threats to my life. This is just a point out of 100 on the policy,” he emphasised.
The NIN-SIM policy, which was unveiled on December 9, 2020, sought to increase national security by connecting every mobile number to the National Identification Number. The intended compliance deadline was December 31, 2020; however, it was extended many times until April 20, 2022.
Following that, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) advised telecom companies to ban lines that were not linked with NIN from making calls.
In continuation of the policy, the NCC issued a fresh directive in December last year, instructing mobile network operators to bar all phone lines for which subscribers had not submitted their NINs by February 28, 2024.
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