Telecom
Privacy Concerns Mount over Digital ID-SIM Link
Concerns over privacy and the handling of personal data is putting off Nigerians from registering in the biometric ID system and then linking that to their SIMs, reports the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters.
Nigerians have until October 31, 021 to link their biometric National Identity Numbers (NINs) to their mobile SIM cards and mobile phone details or face being disconnected.
There have already been multiple deadline extensions and as only around 60 million citizens and legal residents of a population of around 207 million have so far enrolled for the NIN.
On average, there are between three and four SIMs registered to each NIN.
The World Bank has funded Nigeria’s ID project to the tune of $433 million, yet Nigeria does not yet have data protection laws.
Laws were formulated – the NDPR – but never passed by the National Assembly and so are not enforceable.
The Thomson Reuters Foundation has spoken to rights activists and campaigners in Nigeria who say that they themselves will not link their phone numbers to their NINs. They are concerned that people in rural areas could miss the deadline.
Uche Chigbo, acting general manager of the NIMC spoke at even in Port Harcourt last month and countered that “a lot of people in rural areas are registering – more than people in the cities,” reports the Foundation.
Chigbo also said that the government is working on grassroots outreach with community and religious leaders and market associations to push out messaging on the scheme.
“NDPR does not have the power to check government agencies that are the greatest harvesters of data,” Khadijah El-Usman, a program officer with Paradigm Initiative, a digital rights group based in Lagos told Thomson Reuters.
People do not trust the government with their data, but those who do not link their ID numbers with their phones risk being cut off in less than three months.
December 2020 The government announced on December 15 the plan to link ID numbers with mobile phones.
The deadline was initially two weeks later, on 31 December, but soon extended to February 9, 2021. A ban is placed on registering any new SIM cards.
January 2021 Updates were made to the slips that the NIN is printed on when people enroll and an app released to make the phone link easier. (Very few eID cards have been issued. Registrants receive a paper slip and can activate a mobile app with the number.)
However, progress was already very slow. Media found that at a few weeks from the 9 February deadline, up to 95 percent of the 173 agents licensed – public and private – for the enrollment process had not begun any serious work and were still waiting for equipment.
February 2021 Civil rights group coalition Edo Civil Society Organizations (EDOCSO), filed a suit requesting a federal High Court in Edo state capital, Benin, to declare the move as a breach of citizens’ right to privacy as guaranteed by the 1999 constitution.
The deadline was extended to April 6.
March 2021 Reports emerge of people being forced to pay bribes at registration centers when trying to enroll for a NIN as the SIM deadline neared.
A Nigerian court ordered a further extension beyond April 6.
April 2021 The government lifts the ban on the activation of new SIM cards as long as they are linked to a NIN.
May 2021 The Nigerian Communications Commission updates it identity policy to state that SIM card acquisition and activation should be done based on NIN verification using biometric methods such facial recognition and fingerprints which will be matched against data held by the NIMC.
It acknowledges how the whole process will increase the National Identity Management Commission’s (NIMC) databases.
July 2021 Number of NIN registrations reaches almost 60 million, the boost being linked to the SIM requirements.
MTN Group announced plans to expand its footprint on the continent with a $10 billion investment by 2030.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which relayed the information, said the company will inject $2 billion annually as part of the initiative.
According to the ITU, MTN Group plans to use these funds to expand and enhance its voice and data networks, aiming to provide better coverage and connectivity for its customers.
The company sees these investments as key to driving digital inclusion and supporting economic growth in its key markets.
Sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for 13 of MTN’s target markets, had 527 million unique mobile subscribers in 2023, with a penetration rate of 44%, according to the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA).
The region also had 320 million mobile internet subscribers, representing 27% of the population.
This digital divide presents opportunities for telecom operators.
The GSMA projects that the number of unique mobile subscribers in sub-Saharan Africa will reach 751 million by 2030, growing at an annual compound rate of 4.5% from 2023 to 2030.
Mobile internet subscribers are expected to increase to 518 million, with the mobile internet penetration rate reaching 37%, up from 27%.
However, the GSMA estimates that telecom operators will need to invest $62 billion in their networks over the period.
By gaining new subscribers, MTN hopes to solidify its position as “Africa’s largest mobile network operator.”
The company currently has around 230 million subscribers, competing with Vodacom (205 million), Airtel Africa (163.1 million), and Orange (160 million).
Despite focusing on infrastructure, MTN must also address challenges hindering the adoption of mobile phone and internet services.
According to the GSMA, one key obstacle is the high cost of smartphones, which makes them difficult to access for many people.
The GSMA encourages telecom operators to implement initiatives such as device financing plans, installment payment options, and affordable smartphones through partnerships with manufacturers.
Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has called on the Nigerian Government to address policy gaps in the telecom sector to achieve digital inclusion and transformation.
Tony Emoekpere, president, ATCON, highlighted this during an interview on Tuesday with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
“The strategic plan for the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy outlines a clear roadmap for the sector, emphasising digital transformation, economic diversification, and broadband expansion.
“One of the flagship policies driving the industry is the National Broadband Plan 2020-2025, which aims for 70 per cent broadband penetration by the end of 2025.
“While progress has been made, the latest data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) puts broadband penetration at 44.43 per cent as of December 2024.
“This is a reality check as we still have some distance to cover with less than a year to meet the target,” Emoekpere said
He commended the NCC for its transparency in publishing verifiable data, which he said is crucial for identifying and addressing gaps.
Emoekpere also praised reforms like Right of Way (RoW) policies and broadband infrastructure investment incentives, as well as the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) protections aimed at reducing fibre cuts and vandalism.
However, he stressed the need for full implementation of these measures.
The ATCON president identified multiple taxation, high infrastructure costs, and vandalism as major barriers to progress.
He also emphasised the importance of broadband penetration as the backbone of digital inclusion, noting that without widespread, affordable internet access, even the best digital skills programs would have limited impact.
Emoekpere lauded the government’s plan to train 3 million digital professionals by 2027, calling it a forward-thinking initiative to equip Nigerians for the digital economy.
“For meaningful progress, we need aggressive infrastructure rollout, harmonised taxation, and stronger protection for telecom assets,” he said.
Telecom
9mobile Reinforces Innovation Leadership with Echoes, Its Trailblazing AI Storytelling Platform
9mobile, telecommunications provider in Nigeria, continues to push the boundaries of innovation with the introduction of Echoes, its AI-driven storytelling platform that seamlessly blends artificial intelligence with compelling narratives.
This groundbreaking initiative is designed to forge deeper connections with audiences, enhance brand affinity, boost engagement, and ignite conversations about Nigeria’s rich heritage and culture.
Echoes by 9mobile was born out of the brand’s commitment to celebrating Nigeria’s diverse history, myths, and true events. Through this initiative, the company seeks to educate, engage, and spark meaningful discussions, aligning perfectly with 9mobile’s youthful and dynamic identity.
Storytelling has long been a powerful medium of expression in Nigeria, and 9mobile leveraged this to resonate with its audience in an authentic and impactful way.
According to Director of Marketing at 9mobile Kenechukwu Okonkwo, “As a proudly Nigerian brand, we were deliberate about sharing rich Nigerian stories; capturing facts, myths, and true events that form the fabric of our identity.
“Many of these stories have been forgotten or lost as our cultures evolve. With Echoes, we step away from the Eurocentric narratives that dominate mainstream media and instead celebrate Nigerian stories, told by Nigerians, for Nigerians.”
He further explained that 9mobile carefully curated stories that matter to its audience, stories of resilience, ambition, culture, and everyday life deeply rooted in Nigeria’s history. The initial edition featured iconic locations such as Kajuru Castle, Idanre Hills, and Ogbunike Cave, with later episodes covering historical figures and events like King Eyo Honesty II and Igbo Landing.
Each story underwent meticulous research, AI-assisted scripting, and precise editing to ensure both engagement and alignment with 9mobile’s core values. These stories were then distributed in various formats, including creative Shorts, Reels, TikTok clips, and social media posts across X (Twitter), Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.
While AI played a crucial role in bringing this project to life, 9mobile ensured its ethical and responsible use.
“We prioritized accuracy and cultural sensitivity, ensuring that each narrative remained a true representation of historical accounts. Additionally, there was no data gatekeeping; audiences could access these stories without restrictions,” Okonkwo emphasized.
The Echoes campaign quickly gained traction, sparking discussions, encouraging user engagement, and strengthening the emotional bond between 9mobile and Nigerian youth.
The initiative amassed over a million views across various channels, reached more than 6.3 million people, and recorded over 7.8 million impressions. As a testament to its innovation, 9mobile was honoured with the “Best Use of AI” award at the prestigious ADVAN Awards.
Commenting on this achievement, 9mobiles Chief Executive Officer, Obafemi Banigbe, stated: “We are thrilled to receive this recognition, which reaffirms our commitment to innovation and customer-centricity. Echoes is a game-changer in the telecom industry, and we take pride in leading AI-driven innovation in Nigeria.”
The launch of Echoes marks a significant milestone for 9mobile, reinforcing its leadership in leveraging technology to drive business growth and enhance customer satisfaction.
This initiative cements 9mobile’s position as a pioneer in AI adoption within the telecommunications sector, further strengthening its commitment to delivering world-class services.
9mobile’s legacy of AI-driven solutions extends beyond Echoes. In 2020, the company introduced Enin’, Nigeria’s first AI-enabled chatbot developed by a telecom provider. This intelligent virtual assistant revolutionized customer service, allowing users to purchase airtime, subscribe to data plans, access exclusive offers, receive notifications, manage subscriptions, and even connect with live agents seamlessly.
As 9mobile continues to push the boundaries of AI-driven innovation, its dedication to enhancing user experiences and redefining engagement remains stronger than ever.
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