Lawmakers And Telcos Disagree On Role Of Technology In Curbing Kidnapping And Phone Crimes.
Federal lawmakers, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and telecoms operators have expressed differing opinions on the role of technology in helping Nigeria stem the rising tide of kidnapping and other related phone crimes. The debate took place at a telecoms forum in Lagos, where lawmakers and industry stakeholders gathered to discuss the challenges and potential solutions.
Lawmaker Ben Etanabene, representing Delta State, expressed frustration at the increasing cases of kidnapping in the country, accusing telcos of not doing enough in terms of information sharing with security operatives. He queried why telcos and the NCC cannot provide geo-location services to help locate and apprehend kidnappers.
However, Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licenced Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), countered that operators are doing a lot to stem phone-related crimes. He explained that kidnappers often use the phones of their victims to contact families for ransom, and that security agencies have not requested geo-location data from operators.
Tobechukwu Okigbo, Corporate Service Executive at MTN Nigeria, disputed claims that Nigerian subscribers pay the most for services, stating that Nigeria is one of the cheapest countries in Africa with very low tariffs. He also highlighted the challenges of fibre cuts, vandalism, and theft of batteries, which contribute to service downtime.
NCC Executive Vice Chairman Dr Aminu Maida emphasised the importance of collaboration in stemming phone-related crimes. He revealed that the NIN-SIM exercise had resulted in the disconnection of 60 million telephone lines in 2024, highlighting the industry’s efforts to tackle criminal activities.
The debate highlights the complexities of using technology to combat crime in Nigeria, with stakeholders working towards finding effective solutions to the country’s security challenges.
