Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has clarified his recent comments on how bandits exploit digital systems to evade detection, despite the government’s National Identity Number (NIN) and SIM card linkage policy. Speaking on X, he emphasized that his remarks were intended to highlight gaps in digital infrastructure, not suggest negligence in law enforcement.
During a recent Channels Television interview, Dr. Tijani explained that some criminals bypass standard telecom networks by bouncing calls across multiple towers or using technologies that operate outside conventional coverage areas. “There was an exercise conducted by the telcos to clean out all SIMs…we realized there was a special kind of technology that they were using to call. They weren’t using the normal towers. That’s why they enjoy living in areas where it’s unconnected at all,” he said.
To tackle these security challenges, the minister outlined government initiatives aimed at expanding connectivity across Nigeria. Plans include the construction of 3,700 new telecom towers in underserved areas, upgrading existing satellites, launching new communication satellites, and deploying the 90,000-kilometre national fibre-optic backbone through Project Bridge. These measures are designed to bring reliable communication to millions of currently unconnected Nigerians and strengthen national digital infrastructure.
Dr. Tijani stressed that improving connectivity is not just about convenience but also national development and security. He explained that gaps in digital infrastructure restrict economic opportunities, access to services, and coordination, while also creating vulnerabilities that can be exploited by criminals. “These investments will deepen connectivity across the country, strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy, and ensure that digital infrastructure contributes meaningfully to economic prosperity, inclusion, and national development,” he stated.
The NIN-SIM linkage policy, introduced in December 2020, requires all SIM cards in Nigeria to be linked to verified National Identity Numbers to enhance security and traceability. Despite over 153 million SIMs being linked by late 2024, representing about 96% compliance, concerns remain about how criminal networks continue to communicate undetected. The government’s ongoing infrastructure investments aim to close these gaps and ensure that digital tools serve both security and national growth.
source: nairametrics