The House of Representatives has directed its Joint Committee on Communications and Interior to investigate reports of unauthorized National Identification Number (NIN) linkages by telecom service providers across Nigeria.

The decision followed the unanimous adoption of a motion jointly sponsored by Hon. Patrick Umoh (APC, Akwa Ibom) and Hon. Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo). The House also instructed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to probe the allegations and sanction any telecom operator found guilty of violating privacy laws.

Additionally, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has been asked to clarify whether telecom providers were authorized to link NINs to subscriber lines and if such actions comply with existing regulations.

Hon. Umoh raised concerns about recent reports indicating that telecom companies have linked NINs to subscribers’ SIM cards without their consent. He warned that this unauthorized linkage exposes Nigerians to criminal activities, such as identity theft, financial fraud, and other cybercrimes.

“This action is a clear violation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019, which guarantee the right to privacy and the protection of personal data,” Umoh stated.

He further emphasized that while the NIN system was introduced to enhance national security and streamline identification processes, unauthorized linkages undermine public trust and jeopardize citizens’ safety.

“Aware that innocent citizens have been wrongly implicated in crimes, suffered reputational damage, harassment, and legal challenges for offenses they know nothing about, it is imperative that we address this issue immediately,” Umoh added.

The House has mandated the probe committee to submit its findings within four weeks, as lawmakers seek to protect Nigerians from potential data breaches and uphold the integrity of national security protocols.

***Focus on Agriculture, Solid Minerals, Infrastructure, and Security

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has proposed an additional N4.53 trillion allocation to the 2025 Appropriation Bill, increasing the total budget size from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion.

The President communicated this adjustment in separate letters to both chambers of the National Assembly. It was read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday.

The increase, he explained, was due to additional revenues generated by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) (N1.4 trillion), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) (N1.2 trillion), and other Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs) (N1.8 trillion).

Ruling on the matter, Akpabio referred the letter to the Senate Committee on Appropriations and directed them to expedite the necessary adjustments to the budget, which is currently under review. He assured that the budget would be passed before the end of February to ensure smooth government operations.

In his letter, Tinubu proposed N4.53 trillion to key sectors to drive economic diversification, infrastructure development, and national security.
Solid Minerals Sector was allocated N1 trillion” to unlock Nigeria’s vast mineral resources, reduce reliance on oil, and create alternative revenue streams.”

Bank of Agriculture Recapitalisation got N1.5 trillion to enhance food security, empower smallholder farmers, and promote agro-industrial value chains while Bank of Industry Recapitalisation got N500 billion to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), boost local manufacturing, and reduce import dependence.

Infrastructure Development got N1.5 trillion while Irrigation Development (N380 billion) to support year-round farming and ensure water security.

For transportation Infrastructure, N700 billion was allocated, Including N300 billion for roads and N400 billion for urban rail networks. Border Communities Infrastructure got N50 Billion) to enhance security and foster economic development.

On security, Military Barracks Accommodation was allocated N250 billion) to improve housing for security personnel, while Military Aviation was proposed N120 Billion) to modernise Nigeria’s military air capabilities.

President Tinubu justified the allocations to the military, stating that no progress can be made without security.
He emphasised that investing in the armed forces was a moral and economic necessity as national security remains the foundation of economic stability and development.
He indicated that Investments in solid minerals will expand Nigeria’s revenue base and reduce reliance on oil.

“Recapitalization of BoA and BoI will boost agriculture and industrial production, enhancing exports and creating jobs.
“Improved irrigation systems will support year-round farming and food production.
“Road and rail projects will reduce transportation costs and enhance connectivity.
“Border communities and military infrastructure investments will bolster national security and living conditions for security personnel.

Tinubu emphasized that national security is a moral imperative and a foundation for economic progress.
“The proposed investments in military barracks, aviation, and border infrastructure aim to enhance the readiness and welfare of Nigeria’s armed forces.

“No infrastructure, no innovation, and no progress can be sustained without security. Investing in our military affirms our resolve to end terrorism and safeguard our citizens,” the President stated.
The President urged the National Assembly to integrate these proposals into the 2025 budget, highlighting their alignment with Nigeria’s economic growth, diversification, and security priorities.

With this proposed increase, the Tinubu administration seeks to balance fiscal responsibility with strategic investments that will drive long-term national development.

President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms are not just about recovery, they represent a deliberate recalibration of Nigeria’s growth strategy.
As Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, outlined during a budget defense session, the administration’s bold initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda are setting the foundation for long-term transformation.
While much attention has been given to immediate impacts, such as GDP growth surpassing 3% over three consecutive quarters, a deeper look reveals a shift in priorities toward structural reforms aimed at sustainability.
Bagudu credited the removal of fuel and forex subsidies for boosting state and local government revenues while addressing deficits and enforcing fiscal discipline.
However, the broader narrative is the government’s focus on rethinking financing and economic diversification.
The 2025 budget emphasizes innovative mechanisms like the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, Consumer Credit Schemes, and the CNG Energy Transition Program, which aim to accelerate infrastructure development while generating revenue.
These initiatives signal a departure from reliance on traditional revenue streams, positioning Nigeria as a hub for modern economic practices.
The administration’s aggressive measures to curb oil theft and enhance crude production have not only stabilized revenues but also attracted international recognition.
Strategic partnerships with China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia, along with agreements with development organizations, highlight Nigeria’s emerging reputation as a trustworthy economic partner.
These collaborations indicate a government intent on integrating Nigeria into the global economy on more favorable terms.
Bagudu’s emphasis on the contributions of parastatals under his ministry underscores the importance of institutional reform.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has modernized data collection through GDP rebasing, while the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) has enriched public policy discourse through the Renewed Hope Agenda Lecture Series.
These developments reflect a government leveraging data and research to guide its strategies, moving away from ad hoc planning.
The challenge now is execution. While lawmakers praised the administration’s vision, the success of the 2025 budget depends on translating plans into tangible results.
Bagudu assured that the government is committed to inclusive growth, targeting both immediate needs and long-term goals.
As Nigeria navigates global economic headwinds, Tinubu’s administration is carving out a path that prioritizes resilience, innovation, and inclusivity. The reforms represent more than a response to crisis—they are a blueprint for a more competitive and self-reliant Nigeria.
Whether this trajectory is sustained will depend on meticulous implementation and continued public trust in the government’s vision.