The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given a stern ultimatum to Dr. Aminu Maida, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), demanding the immediate restoration of over 40 million blocked mobile lines or face legal action.
In a letter dated March 9, 2024, and signed by SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization urged the NCC CEO to revoke the allegedly unlawful directive that led to the blocking of phone lines for millions of Nigerians who linked their SIM cards to their National Identification Numbers (NINs).
SERAP emphasized that the directive violates citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, information, and privacy.
He stated, the blocking of phone lines must only be a last resort measure, strictly in line with the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], international human rights, and due process safeguards.”
The letter further urged the NCC to establish a mechanism for effective consultation, providing adequate support, infrastructure, time, and opportunity for Nigerians who are yet to link their SIM cards to their NINs.
Expressing concern over the extreme measures taken by the NCC, SERAP highlighted that the arbitrary barring of phone lines imposes disastrous consequences, hindering the effective enjoyment of various rights guaranteed by the constitution.
If the recommended measures are not taken within seven days, SERAP warned of initiating legal actions to compel the NCC to comply in the public interest.
The organisation also criticised the lack of an impact assessment of these extreme measures, noting that they go against the regulatory objectives of the Nigerian Communications Act and violate fundamental human rights.
With the NCC stating that over 40 million telephone lines faced the risk of being forfeited soon, SERAP raised alarm about the potential impact on over 70 million bank account holders, highlighting the infringement on the right to freedom of expression and the inconsistency with international human rights standards.
SERAP stressed the need for strict adherence to legal requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality, emphasizing that the arbitrary directive and the barring of phone lines must align with fundamental human rights and regulatory objectives.
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