NIN-SIM linkage: Security agencies get Buhari’s nod to access subscriber’s details

Some security agencies have got an approval from the President, Muhammadu Buhari, to access the database of the National Identity Management Commission in the course of carrying out their duties.

As a result, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, said his office through the Nigerian Communications Commission has conveyed the approval to the relevant security agencies.

He did not give the names of the security agencies. He, however, said the development would enhance security operatives to go after kidnapers and other criminals.

Pantami disclosed this while speaking on the sidelines of LEAP 22,a technology event, currently holding Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

He said, “Some of the security institutions, based on the cyber crime law are allowed to gain access to the data base without coming to us because the database allows for lawful intercept. The lawful intercept is allowed in order to support our security agencies.

The Federal Government had in 2020 mandated the NIN-SIM linkage for every telecom subscriber.