ASHENEWS reports that the former minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami has accused Nigeria’s security agencies of under-utilizing the National Identification Number Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) policy in their efforts to tackle insecurity in the country.
Pantami stated this through his official X handle while responding to allegations by an X user of the failure of the policy initiated during his time as minister to among other things, check crimes in the country.
In his response, the ex-minister refuted allegations that the policy was useless in the fight against insecurity.
Instead, he said that the policy was used thrice and successfully so during his time in office.
“NIN-SIM policy has been working. However, the relevant institutions fighting criminality are to be requested to ensure they utilize it effectively when a crime is committed.
“Lack of utilising it is the main problem, not the policy. While in office, I know 3 instances where the policy was utilised, and it led to the success of their operations.
“On the lack of utilisation, I am more worried than anyone, as my life was threatened by criminals for reintroducing it, including on BBC Hausa & and national dailies, I resisted and ensured its implementation. If it is not being utilised by the relevant institutions in charge of securing lives and property, then I am more frustrated than any person, as I sacrificed my life and ignored all the threats to life.
“This is just a point out of 100 on the policy. May the Almighty rescue all the kidnapped and bring absolute peace and stability to Nigeria, and may He (SWT) continue to guide our leaders and help them always in discharging their responsibilities,” his tweet said.
This online platform reports that the National Identification Number (NIN) was meant to help the Nigerian government create a database of its citizen’s and their records.
The NIN is used to tie all records of an individual into the National Identity Database.
The federal government also said that it intended to use the NIN to enhance the delivery of social welfare programs to ensure that no one is left behind or unduly sidelined.
Open to all Nigerians and other legal residents, the federal government had directed all telecommunications companies to block all outgoing calls from SIM cards that are not linked with a NIN number.
