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Tinubu orders probe of unauthorised NIN-SIM linkage

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President Bola Tinubu has set up an inter-ministerial committee to investigate allegations of telecom providers linking National Identification Numbers to subscribers’ lines without their consent.

Impeccable sources in the Presidency told our correspondent that Tinubu gave the directive on Tuesday during the Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House, Abuja.

The committee has the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani and the Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda.

Tinubu, who listened to a briefing by the Minister of Interior, directed that the committee consider the matter and provide the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction with accurate data to carry out its mandate.

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One source privy to the deliberations at Tuesday’s FEC meeting revealed, “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, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “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.”

However, it was not clear what timeline the President gave to the committee to investigate the matter and revert to him.

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Reports reveal that some telecommunications providers linked customers’ National Identification Numbers to their mobile SIM cards without obtaining consent.

Subscribers discovered that their lines had been linked to unfamiliar NIN records or had their own NIN associated with multiple lines without explicit authorisation.

Consumer advocacy groups and affected individuals have called for investigations into how such linking occurred, emphasising the need for improved transparency and stronger data protection measures.

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives initiated an investigation into the matter.

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This followed a motion sponsored by Rep. Patrick Umoh and Professor Julius Ihonvbere during Wednesday’s plenary.

Umoh, who moved the motion, expressed concerns about the risks posed by this unauthorised linkage, particularly the exposure of subscribers to criminal activities and the potential harm to legitimate NIN holders.

He argued that this practice violates the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation, 2019, which protects the privacy and personal data of all Nigerians.

“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,” Umoh argued, adding that “The linking of NIN to SIM cards without consent exposes citizens to serious risks, including identity theft, financial fraud, and other forms of cybercrime.”

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The lawmaker also highlighted how innocent citizens have been wrongfully implicated in crimes, facing reputational damage, harassment, and legal challenges due to unauthorised data linking.

Therefore, the House tasked its Committees on Communications and Interior with investigating the matter and submitting a report in four weeks.

It also urged the Nigerian Communications Commission to investigate telecom providers involved and take immediate action against those found wanting.

Tuesday’s FEC meeting was the second in the two days, as council members considered 101 memos in both sittings.

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Edo South Senatorial District: Massive endorsement of Ogbeide-Ihama as APC sole candidate for 2027 (Video)

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The coast is now clear as Edo South APC formally endorse seasoned lawmaker, Hon Omorgie Ogbeide-Ihama as sole candidate of the District in 2027.

The massive adoption was led by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon Denis Idahosa confirming the fact that no room for any aspirant from the district.

Watch:

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Netizens ask World Bank to stop borrowing TInubu money over reported $1.25 bn Loan Plan

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Nigerians have taken to social media to express outrage and concern following reports of a proposed $1.25 billion loan linked to the administration of , sparking intense debate over the country’s rising debt profile and economic direction.

The reactions, which trended heavily on X, formerly known as Twitter, saw users storming the comment sections of the with mixed opinions on Nigeria’s continued borrowing and fiscal management.

Many commenters strongly opposed the reported loan move, arguing that additional borrowing would worsen economic hardship and deepen the country’s debt burden.

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Some of the reactions included:

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@yengoblog9ja: “Don’t borrow Tinubu’s money again they want to finish Nigerians ooh”
@captbobyi01: “Please do not borrow @officialasiwajubat any loan, I repeat do not borrow Tinubu and his son any money.”
@realkingdavid: “Please 🙏 don’t borrow Tinubu’s loan again please he is using the money to kill us in the country 🇳🇬”
@pr_eci0us2291: “Please stop borrowing our president.”
Others criticised government spending priorities and questioned accountability in public finance management.

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@BIG_Mayana7: “They should not borrow his a s s any loans again, they are using the money to buy expensive vehicles for themselves.”
@Marjix_: “If we had responsible leaders… revenue from taxes and subsidy removal would develop the nation.”
Some users, however, argued that borrowing is a standard economic practice globally and should not automatically be condemned.

@GloryUyimse: “The world runs on DEBT and no bank wants you to repay your loans.”
@cossyb: “If they stop World Bank from borrowing… We’ll pay it ourselves for free… abeg make una allow them borrow o.”
Others blamed leadership failures and governance issues rather than the loans themselves.

@Shayolala: “Find out who they are na dem dem… yet they can’t hold their so-called failed leaders accountable.”
@NigIsland: “A man who refuses to mend his roof in the rain will not decide the weather by shouting at the clouds.”
The online reactions reflect growing public sensitivity over Nigeria’s debt situation amid ongoing economic reforms, inflationary pressures, and concerns over living costs under the current administration.

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Wike Hails Quality of Abuja Road Projects

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of ongoing road projects across Abuja, saying residents can now “see governance in action.”

Wike spoke on Wednesday while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Gbazango, popularly known as Arab Road in Kubwa.

The minister commended contractors handling the various projects, particularly local construction firm Abdul Val and Zeberced, for delivering quality work within schedule.

“With what we have seen today, right from the roads in Karu down to Apo-Karshi and now to Gbazango, which is popularly called Arab Road in Kubwa, we are very satisfied with the level of work that has taken place,” Wike said.

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He praised Abdul Val for the quality of work on the Karu road project, noting that the company had earlier delivered the Ushafa road project commissioned last year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“I’m quite impressed. This is the second time. If you remember, the Ushafa road commissioned last year was also carried out by Abdul Val, and they are doing the one in Karu now. They are doing a good quality job,” he stated.

According to him, the Karu road project will be among projects slated for inauguration during President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

Speaking on the Apo-Karshi road being handled by SCC, Wike described it as a critical project frequently demanded by residents, expressing optimism that it would be completed before the end of the year.

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He also commended Zeberced for the ongoing Gbazango road project, which he said would also be inaugurated during the President’s third anniversary celebrations.

“If you remember, this company handled the A2 to Pai road commissioned by Mr. President last year. They are also handling the Goma to Yangoji road, which will also be inaugurated during the third anniversary,” he said.

“You can see the quality of work. You can see how happy the residents are seeing us here. Without invitation, they came out to appreciate the fact that they can now see governance in action.”

Wike stressed that beyond quality delivery, meeting project timelines remained equally important.

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“One thing is doing a quality job, another thing is keeping to timeline. I’m very happy. I think the President’s third anniversary will be full of activities,” he added.

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