Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has expressed disappointment over the failure of security agencies to effectively utilize the National Identity Number (NIN) linked to Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) data in combating crimes, particularly kidnappings and phone-related offenses.

This criticism stems from the 2020 directive by the administration of then-President Muhammadu Buhari, which mandated the linking of SIM cards to the NIN of every citizen.

On a Sunday, Bashir Ahmad, the Media Aide to President Buhari, raised concerns about the escalating incidences of kidnappings for ransom and called for new legislation or the revision of existing laws to enforce the death penalty as a punishment for banditry and kidnapping.

In response to the tweet, Pantami blamed security agencies for not effectively utilizing the NIN-SIM data to address the surging kidnappings for ransom and banditry.

Pantami emphasized, “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 utilization is the main problem, not the policy.”

Expressing concern over the lack of utilization, Pantami revealed that criminals had threatened his life for reintroducing the policy. He stated, “On the lack of utilization, 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 utilized 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 my life. This is just a point out of 100 on the policy.”

Pantami was a staunch advocate of the NIN registration policy under Buhari’s administration, asserting that linking citizens’ NIN to their SIMs would be a crucial tool in combating banditry, kidnapping, and phone-related crimes.

The former minister’s remarks underscore the need for security agencies to make effective use of the NIN-SIM data in addressing the escalating security challenges, and highlight the personal risks faced in implementing the policy.

This call for improved utilization of NIN-SIM data in combating crime reflects the ongoing efforts to enhance security measures and uphold the rule of law in Nigeria.