In Nigeria, the public service sector’s inefficiency has long been a subject of concern, with dire consequences for citizens’ safety and national development.
One glaring example of this ineptitude is the National Communications Commission‘s (NCC) failure to enforce the linkage of National Identification Numbers (NINs) to Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards, despite multiple deadlines set since December 2020.
The core objective of the NIN-SIM registration was to establish a database that would link phone numbers to identifiable individuals. This traceability was intended to make it difficult for criminals to utilise anonymous lines to coordinate attacks, spread misinformation, or engage in fraudulent activities.
Despite this objective, millions of unlinked SIM cards remain in active use. This failure to implement the policy effectively underscores a systemic issue within Nigerian governance, where policies are formulated but not adequately enforced, leading to dire consequences for national security.
The consequences of this lax enforcement are evident in the continued surge of insecurity across the nation as unregistered SIM cards provide a cloak of anonymity, allowing criminal actors to operate with impunity.
The NIN-SIM linkage policy was initially hailed as a crucial step in combating insecurity by enabling security agencies to track and isolate individuals involved in criminal activities. However, the continued circulation of unlinked SIM cards, estimated at over 12 million, reveals a glaring gap in the implementation process. Despite numerous deadlines and assurances of impending sanctions, the NCC and related government agencies have failed to hold telecom providers accountable, allowing criminals to operate with impunity.
Moreover, the proliferation of data collection mechanisms, including the NIN-SIM linkage, highlights the need for a cohesive and comprehensive approach to information management and security. While the intent behind gathering such data is to enhance surveillance and thwart criminal activities, the absence of a failproof system to track and monitor terrorist networks and bandit groups underscores inherent vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s security architecture.
The repercussions of the NCC‘s failure to enforce the NIN-SIM linkage policy are far-reaching and deeply troubling. It not only undermines public trust in government initiatives but also emboldens criminal elements to operate with impunity, perpetuating a cycle of insecurity and lawlessness. Furthermore, the lack of consequences for regulatory lapses and institutional shortcomings fosters a culture of impunity, further eroding the rule of law and undermining efforts to combat insecurity.
The commission has set February 28, 2024, as the new deadline for telecom companies to comply, making it the tenth deadline in four years. But there is no assurance that this deadline will hold.
To move forward, the NCC must act with urgency and renewed commitment. A robust enforcement plan, coupled with clear communication and public education, is essential. Stringent sanctions for non-compliance by both telecom operators and individuals must be implemented. By prioritizing effective enforcement, the NCC can regain public trust and make the NIN-SIM linkage a cornerstone of a comprehensive national security strategy.
President Bola Tinubu, being a key stakeholder in Nigeria’s governance, must prioritize resolving the systemic issues that plague the NIN-SIM linkage initiative. This involves holding those responsible for regulatory lapses accountable and instituting measures to enhance compliance and enforcement mechanisms.
The time for half measures is over. The NCC must act decisively to bridge the gap between policy and implementation. Only then can we begin to dismantle the anonymity that shields criminals and fosters insecurity. Nigerians deserve a safer nation, and the successful enforcement of the NIN-SIM linkage is a crucial step towards achieving that goal.