SIM Reallocation: Reps Request Strict Data Protection Compliance

By Paul Effiong, Abuja

House of Representatives has urged all mobile network providers in Nigeria to urgently comply with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 in the reallocation of phone numbers to new subscribers.

The resolution followed a motion moved during yesterday plenary by Billy Osawaru.

In his lead debate, the lawmaker repeatedly emphasised the need to safeguard citizens personal information amid growing concerns over privacy breaches.

The lawmaker disclosed  that the Act establishes the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, NDPC, as the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the processing of personal data.

Ealier, some lawmakers also highlighted the statutory role of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, under the Nigerian Communications Act, citing Section 70 in particular which empowers it to issue guidelines and enforce standards within the telecoms industry. 

The House observed that existing NCC regulations permit telecoms operators to deactivate and reassign inactive SIM cards after periods ranging from 180 days to one year, as outlined in the Telecom Identity Risk Management Policy.

The House, however, raised concerns that such reassignments often occur without the knowledge of previous subscribers.

The House also expressed concern, warning that the current practice exposes more Nigerians to risks such as identity theft, financial fraud and wrongful implication in criminal activities.

The lawmakers noted that many reassigned telephone  numbers have been  linked to sensitive personal data, including Bank Verification Numbers and National Identification Numbers. 

To this end, lawmakers urged regulators along with all service providers to strengthen safeguards, as well as ensure that SIM reallocation processes are carried out in a very  transparent, secure and fully compliant with data protection laws to prevent further harm to innocent citizens.

As a measure to achieve positive impact and result, the House therefore recommended that initial six months of the extended period be dedicated to publicly listing of inactive SIM cards slated for reassignment in national dailies.

It equally urged service providers to give former subscribers ample opportunity to reclaim their numbers, while also promoting transparency in the process. 

The House emphasised that publishing such data once or twice a year would strengthen accountability and significantly reduce disputes arising from SIM ownership. 

The lawmakers also expressed optimism that following the said directive might lead to effective implementation.

They mandated its Committees on Communications and Commerce to engage key regulatory bodies such as the NDPC and NCC, among other relevant agencies. 

The committees were given four weeks deadline to report back to the House for more legislative actions and recommendations.