Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Pantami, has criticised the Nigerian Police and other security agencies over their failure to effectively use the generated data from National Identity Numbers (NIN) to the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) in tracking bandits and other criminals.
Pantami disclosed this when a netizen, Roland Metus, questioned former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, who had raised the issue of the alarming rate of kidnapping and banditry, saying, “New legislation or the revision of current laws to mandate the death penalty as punishment for banditry and kidnapping.”
In his response on Sunday, the ex-Minister accused the security agencies of non-utilisation of the NIN-SIM data to combat the increasing kidnapping and banditry ravaging the country.
He also stated that his life was in danger when implementing the policy as he received many threats to his life, but went ahead to get it done with the purpose of tackling insecurity in the country.
“Thank you , Mr Mentus, for the question. NIN-SIM policy has been working. However, the relevant institutions fighting criminality are to be requested to ensure they utilise it effectively when a crime is committed,” Pantami said.
He said the policy is not the problem but the non-utilisation from the relevant agencies, adding, “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.”
Pantami revealed that the implementation of the NIN-SIM data policy was a sacrifice on his part while in office, adding prayers of guidance for the leaders to be able to discharge their duties.
“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,” he added.
The minister was the one who drove the project, which led to many Nigerians linking their NIN with SIMs. Those who failed to comply had their mobile lines barred.
