The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) is throwing down the gauntlet at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in a heated battle over recently blocked phone lines. Millions of Nigerians woke up to a rude awakening – their phone lines silenced due to a directive from the NCC requiring them to link their SIM cards to National Identification Numbers (NINs) by a specific deadline.
SERAP, a prominent non-profit organization known for its fierce defense of human rights, is calling foul. In a strongly worded letter addressed to NCC CEO Dr. Aminu Maida, the group demands the immediate revocation of the directive, arguing it’s a blatant violation of citizens’ rights.
“This action by the NCC is not only disruptive but also seemingly unlawful,” says SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare. “It restricts Nigerians’ access to freedom of expression, association, and the right to carry on their business.”
SERAP’s concerns are echoed by many Nigerians who have been left scrambling. The reported number of blocked lines – over 40 million – paints a grim picture, with many citizens potentially cut off from vital communication channels and financial services linked to their phone numbers.
The crux of SERAP’s argument lies in the potential for disenfranchisement. They argue that many Nigerians, particularly those in remote areas or lacking access to the necessary technology, may have struggled to meet the deadline. The NCC’s directive, in their view, disproportionately penalizes these citizens for circumstances beyond their control.
Furthermore, SERAP raises questions about the effectiveness of the NCC’s approach. While the aim of linking NINs to SIM cards is ostensibly to combat security threats, SERAP argues that the current strategy creates unnecessary hardship without a guaranteed security benefit. They call for a more inclusive and collaborative approach, suggesting measures to assist those who haven’t yet linked their NINs.
The NCC has yet to respond publicly to SERAP’s demands. However, this clash highlights the delicate balance between national security concerns and individual rights. While securing communication networks is crucial, it must not come at the expense of disenfranchising a significant portion of the population.
SERAP’s intervention in this case injects a much-needed dose of scrutiny into the NCC’s actions. Whether the NCC chooses to listen to their demands or defend its directive remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the fight for unblocked communication lines and unhindered access to technology in Nigeria is far from over.
