Telecom
NIN-SIM Linkage: SERAP Writes Buhari over ‘Unlawful Access To Subscribers Details’
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to use his good offices and leadership position to urgently review and rescind the reported approval for security agencies to access people’s personal details via NIN-SIM linkage without due process of law.
The appeal was contained in a letter dated February 5, 2022, and signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, deputy director, SERAP.
The organisation urged the President to “send executive bills to the National Assembly to repeal and reform all laws, which are inconsistent and incompatible with Nigerians’ rights to privacy, dignity and liberty.”
The development followed reports that some security agencies have received presidential approval to access people’s personal details via the database of the National Identity Management Commission in the course of carrying out their duties.
SERAP believes that the reported approval to allow security agencies to access people’s personal details via NIN-SIM linkage without due process of law directly interferes with the privacy, dignity and liberty of individuals.
It also believes that a failure to rescinded the reported approval may cause millions of law-abiding Nigerians to feel that their private lives are the subject of constant surveillance.
“The interference entailed by unlawfully or arbitrarily accessing people’s personal details is far-reaching and must be considered to be particularly serious,” the statement read in part, adding: “Interference with an individual’s right to privacy is not permissible if it is unlawful or arbitrary”.
“The power to access individual’s details raises serious concerns as to their arbitrary use by the authorities responsible for applying them in a manner that reduces human rights and democratic principles by the monitoring and surveillance of millions of Nigerians.
“It is crucial to rescind the approval, and respect the autonomy of individuals to receive and share information of a personal nature without interference from the authorities, if unintended adverse consequences are to be avoided.
“The risk of arbitrary or abusive interference shows the importance for your government to comply fully with the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality.
“The right to privacy allows Nigerians to hold opinions and exercise freedom of expression without arbitrary or illegal interference and attacks.
“Private conversations of individuals – which belong to their intimate sphere and contribute to their personal development – also enjoy strong legal protection and can only be limited based on the principles of legality, necessity and proportionality.
“The reported presidential approval to security agencies does not align with the principle that any restriction on human rights capable of limitation should be the least intrusive means possible, and shall be necessary and proportionate to the benefit sought.
“Violations or abuses of the right to privacy might affect the enjoyment of other human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and to hold opinions without interference.
“SERAP notes that the right to privacy can enable the enjoyment of other rights and the free development of an individual’s personality and identity, and an individual’s ability to participate in political, economic, social and cultural life.”
“In relation to the requirement of legality, any limitation must be expressly, exhaustively, precisely, and clearly provided for in a law in the formal and material sense. It is not enough that the restrictions be formally approved by the president or by any other competent body: they must also be sufficiently clear, accessible and predictable.
“Similarly, measures restricting enjoyment of the right to privacy must comply with the principle of proportionality, meaning that they must not unduly interfere with other rights of the persons targeted.
“In the digital age, protecting the right to privacy requires exceptional attention. While acknowledging the challenging issues that your approval may seek to address, SERAP is seriously concerned that this may be used as a pretext by security agencies to violate Nigerians’ right to privacy and other related human rights.
“The undermining of the universality of fundamental human rights, alongside the potential encroachment upon the enjoyment of the right to privacy raised by the presidential approval, suggests the urgent need to review the matter, and rescind your approval, consistent with constitutional and international standards.
“SERAP notes that the relationship between data principals and the authorities involves a power imbalance. Nigeria ought to provide the leadership in developing a data protection framework that is fully consistent and compatible with the protection of the fundamental and inalienable right to privacy.
“According to reports, some security agencies have received your approval to access people’s personal details via the database of the National Identity Management Commission in the course of carrying out their duties. The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami reportedly conveyed the approval to the relevant security agencies.
“Mr Pantami also reportedly stated that the approval would enhance security as it would help security operatives to go after kidnappers and other criminals.
“The approval would now allow security agencies to access the data of the over 73 million Nigerians who have linked their National Identity Number with their SIM, and other people who may do so.
“While the effectiveness of the fight against serious crime may depend to a great extent on the use of modern investigation techniques, such an objective of general interest, however fundamental it may be, cannot in itself justify the unlawful or arbitrary interference with the right to privacy.
“Unlawful or arbitrary access to people’s personal details would contravene section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which protect against arbitrary or unlawful interference with one’s privacy.
“Any constraints upon the right to privacy must strictly comply with the principles of legality, necessity and proportionality. These requirements are included in the Nigerian Constitution and the human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest”.
The letter was copied to Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and Mr Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.
d Digital Economy.
MTN Foundation hosted its annual Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Conference on July 9, 2025, at the MTN Rooftop in Ikoyi, Lagos, bringing together stakeholders from government, healthcare, education, security, civil society, and the private sector to address the growing challenge of drug abuse among Nigerian youth.
L-R: Tobe Okigbo, Chef Corporate Services Officer, MTN Nigeria; Archieabia Ibinabo, Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, representative of Brig. Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chairman/CEO, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government, (representative of His Excellency, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu); RT. Honourable Princess Lasbat Mojisola Meranda, Deputy Speaker, Lagos State Assembly; Dr. Mosun Olusoga, Chairman, MTN Foundation; Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director, MTN Foundation, and Dr. Tolu Ajomale, Head of Special Projects and Mental Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health (representative of Prof. Akin Abayomi, Commissioner for Health, Lagos State) during the MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Lagos Conference held in commemoration of World Drug Day at the MTN Rooftop, Ikoyi, Lagos on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
Prominent attendees included Dr. Mosun Olusoga, Chairman of MTN Foundation; Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government; and Dr. Tolu Ajomale of the Lagos Ministry of Health, among others. Also present were representatives of NDLEA, UNODC, academia, psychologists, recovery advocates, and youth leaders.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Salu-Hundeyin reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to safeguarding its youth and fostering a future free from substance abuse. Dr. Olusoga emphasized that drug addiction extends beyond health, touching families, communities, and national well-being, calling for proactive, united action.
MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services Officer, Tobe Okigbo, stressed the company’s long-standing dedication to youth development through initiatives like ASAP. NDLEA’s Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, Archieabia Ibinabo, representing Brigadier General Buba Marwa, commended MTN Foundation as a vital ally in drug prevention efforts.
The conference featured personal stories of recovery in a session titled “Journeys Through the Fire,” followed by a panel discussion on multi-sectoral solutions to substance abuse. It concluded with a dramatic performance, “Just One Breath,” by LASU’s WADA Club, illustrating the personal and societal toll of drug use.
Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, closed the event with a powerful call to action, urging media, communities, and policymakers to drive sustained investment in youth empowerment and early intervention.
The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to building resilience among young Nigerians and catalyzing cross-sector partnerships for a drug-free future.
MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, was filled with music, pride and emotion on Thursday, July 4, as the Class of 2025 of the MTN Foundation–MUSON Diploma in Music graduated in a ceremony that celebrated discipline, artistry and the power of partnership in nurturing young Nigerian talents.
The event marked the culmination of two years of intensive training for the graduating scholars, supported by the MTN Foundation–MUSON Scholarship Programme. This partnership has provided full scholarships to hundreds of talented Nigerians, giving them access to world-class music education and helping them hone their skills as professional musicians.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Mosun Olusoga, Chairman of the MTN Foundation, praised the graduates for their resilience and dedication. “Despite personal and financial obstacles, you showed up with determination, supported one another and embodied the values of excellence and empathy. You are stepping into the world as teachers, performers and cultural advocates. Nigeria and the world need your music now more than ever,” she said.
Chairman of MUSON’s Board of Trustees, Louis Mbanefo, SAN, reflected on the legacy of MUSON and the impact of its partnership with MTN. “Through the generosity of MTN and the dedication of our faculty, MUSON has produced more than 500 graduates who are making significant contributions to Nigeria’s cultural scene and beyond. As you join this vibrant alumni community, remember your responsibility to give back, uphold excellence and enrich the nation’s musical heritage,” he said.
Director of the MUSON School of Music, Princess Banke Ademola, described the graduates as ambassadors of discipline and artistry. “Today, we are not just sending graduates into the world; we are releasing ambassadors of discipline, creativity, and cultural excellence. Each of you has proven that with hard work and resilience, music can transcend challenges and inspire change. Go out there and let your music heal, connect, and transform lives.”
In her speech, Chief Mrs. Joke Chukwuma, Yeye Oba Iye of Ekiti Kingdom, encouraged them to use their music to inspire change and heal communities. “Music is the heartbeat of our culture, and today’s graduates are its future custodians. You are not just musicians; you are storytellers and architects of emotion. Carry your craft with pride and remember that your sound has the power to give voice to the voiceless and light to the world.”
As the graduates received their diplomas to loud applause, the event highlighted the impact of public-private collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s creative industries. The MTN Foundation–MUSON partnership continues to inspire hope for the future of music in Nigeria, turning dreams into reality and passion into excellence.
Nvidia has become the first publicly traded company to hit a $4 trillion market valuation, surpassing tech giants Apple and Microsoft. Shares rose 2.5% in early trading on Wednesday, July 9, lifting the chipmaker’s market cap past the historic milestone.
Nvidia’s rapid rise reflects its dominant role in powering the global artificial intelligence boom. The company’s chips run the data centers behind AI models and cloud services for Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and more. Global spending on AI infrastructure is expected to top $200 billion by 2028, driving further demand.
Nvidia’s revenue for the quarter ending in April soared 69% year-over-year to $44.1 billion. Its stock has climbed nearly 20% this year, despite facing export restrictions and fresh competition from China’s DeepSeek, which briefly rattled markets. Nvidia shares dropped as much as 37% from January to April, before roaring back to gain almost 74% since early April.
Analysts say Nvidia’s success cements it as the backbone of the AI revolution. “There is one company in the world that is the foundation for the AI revolution, and that is Nvidia,” wrote Wedbush Securities’ Dan Ives. He predicts Microsoft, currently valued around $3.77 trillion, will also cross the $4 trillion threshold later this summer.
Nvidia rose to prominence through graphics cards loved by gamers, but now leads in AI hardware, from autonomous vehicles to next-gen chips like the Blackwell Ultra, which promises to support more advanced reasoning in AI models.
The company’s surge has also made CEO Jensen Huang one of the world’s richest people, with a net worth of roughly $140 billion. Huang has met with President Trump and joined other tech leaders on trips abroad, as Nvidia partners in major initiatives like Project Stargate, a $500 billion push to expand US AI infrastructure.
Despite challenges from new players and US-China trade tensions that cost it an estimated $2.5 billion last quarter, Nvidia’s outlook remains bright. On a May earnings call, Huang said AI would become essential for “every country” and “every industry,” from software and healthcare to manufacturing and transportation.
Some on Wall Street believe Nvidia’s rise is only beginning. Loop Capital analysts recently projected the company could reach a staggering $6 trillion valuation by 2028, calling it “essentially a monopoly for critical tech” in the AI space.
EFCC Recovers Funds Lost to CBEX Fraud
JAMB Accuses Student of Securing Admission through Identity Fraud
Financial Fraud in Nigeria Surges by 45 Percent, 70 Percent of Losses Linked to Digital Platforms – CBN
AfCFTA Credit Fund Makes First Investment With $10m Loan
AI Slows Down some Experienced Software Developers, Study Finds
Broadcasting2 days agoEFCC Re-Arraigns Echefu, TStv CEO for Allegedly Defrauding Ex-Minister of N1Bn, $1.3m
Telecom2 days ago4 Dead, 20 Others Injured as Fire Engulfs Cairo Data Centre
News2 days agoNigeria Loses over N200Bn from SSB Tax Annually – CAPPA
Telecom2 days agoSiBAN Applauds Interstellar’s Groundbreaking Role in Africa’s Blockchain Future
General News2 days agoBRICS Leaders Seek Inclusive Access to AI
Telecom2 days agoGlobalcom Thrills Subscribers with 3 New Digital Products
General News2 days agoFG Declares Admissions outside CAPS Illegal
E-Business2 days agoJumia Replatforms its Retail Media Program to Mirakl Ads to Enhance Marketplace Advertising