Reps seek tougher rules on phone number reallocation, demand full compliance with data protection law
The House of Representatives has called for stricter regulatory safeguards in the reallocation of phone numbers in Nigeria, urging full compliance with data protection laws to curb fraud, identity theft
The House of Representatives has called for stricter regulatory safeguards in the reallocation of phone numbers in Nigeria, urging full compliance with data protection laws to curb fraud, identity theft and wrongful implication of innocent citizens.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Billy Osawaru during plenary on Tuesday.
Moving the motion, Osawaru noted that the Data Protection Act 2023 provides a legal framework for the protection of personal information and established the Nigeria Data Protection Commission to regulate the processing of such data.
He also cited Section 70 of the Nigerian Communications Act, which empowers the Nigerian Communications Commission to make and publish regulations, guidelines and rules for the communications industry, forming the legal basis for enforcing standards, managing licences and prescribing technical specifications.
The House noted that, under existing guidelines and the Telecom Identity Risk Management Policy (TIRMP), network providers are mandated to deactivate and reallocate inactive Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards and phone numbers after 180 days and up to one year of dormancy, often without the knowledge of the former subscribers.
Lawmakers acknowledged claims by telecom operators that it is not financially sustainable or profitable to retain inactive SIM cards on their networks, despite such numbers being registered with subscribers’ personal data.
However, the House expressed worry that the current practice has led to cases where innocent Nigerians and other nationals have been embarrassed, humiliated and extorted over false allegations arising from crimes committed using phone numbers previously assigned to other individuals.
It further raised concerns that, if not strictly regulated, the reallocation of SIM cards and phone numbers could result in data breaches, identity theft and financial fraud, particularly where such numbers remain linked to sensitive personal information of previous users, including Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and National Identity Numbers (NIN).
Adopting the motion, the House urged the Nigerian Communications Commission to extend the validity period before reallocation of phone numbers to one year and six months.
It specified that the additional six months should be utilised to publish details of inactive SIM cards in national dailies for public awareness and to copy such information to the police once or twice yearly, in order to enhance transparency and facilitate swift resolution of criminal or fraudulent cases linked to SIM reassignment.
The House also mandated its Committees on Communications and Commerce to liaise with the Nigerian Communications Commission, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission and other relevant agencies to ensure the safety and protection of mobile communication subscribers across the country.
The committees are expected to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
