News

Tinubu Orders Probe Of Unauthorised NIN-SIM Linkage

Published

7 months ago

February 7, 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

News

Nigerian Government Explains Cause Of National Grid Collapse

Published

16 minutes ago

September 10, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Government has explained the cause of the national grid collapse around 11:20 am on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

According to the Nigerian Independent System Operator, NISO, Wednesday’s grid collapse was caused by the tripping of a generation company, resulting in a significant load drop, which cascaded to other GenCos and led to a system disturbance.

NISO, responsible for the country’s national grid, made this known in a statement on Wednesday, noting that restoration of the national grid commenced immediately.

It stated that an investigation has begun to determine both the immediate and root causes of the grid collapse.

“The disturbance was caused by the tripping of a GenCo, resulting in a significant load drop, which cascaded to other GenCos, leading to a system disturbance. NISO immediately commenced restoration of the grid at 11:45 hrs, beginning with supply to Abuja from the Shiroro power plant, and substantial restoration has been achieved across the country.

“A full investigation into the immediate and remote causes is underway.

“The outcome(s) of the investigation report would determine the remedial and proactive actions to be taken to forestall future occurrences. We crave your indulgence to bear with us as restoration is still ongoing,” NISO said.

DAILY POST reports that national grid restoration has begun, with power supply restored in parts of Abuja.

News

Police Arrest Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

24 minutes ago

September 10, 2025

Editor

The Police Command in Delta has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said that the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on Aug. 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said that the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

News

Why I Won’t Allow My Partner Go To Gym – Terry Apala

Published

53 minutes ago

September 10, 2025

Editor

Nigerian music artist, Terry Apala, has revealed why he will never allow his partner to go to a public gym.

According to the Apala Disco hitmaker, a lot of women go to the gym to seduce men and make videos instead of working out.

Terry, who stated this in a recent interview with Echo Room hosted by reality star Teddy A, claimed that he was speaking from experience.

“I will not allow my partner to go to the gym. I was a member of iFitness VGC so I’ve been there. I saw what was going down. I feel like ladies of nowadays are just going to the gym to just vibe and do videos. They’re just vibing, they’re not there to actually work out.

“If they really want to work out, they won’t be focused on doing videos. They are just there to seduce men because some men also go to the gym to look for women. I’m speaking from experience. I also once registered with a gym in Megamound Estate. I saw things there. Girls go there to do all manner of things.

“A lot of ladies are just at the gym to have fun. Maybe, few ladies are going to the gym to actually work out, but many of them are just going there to enjoy the vibe,” he expressed.