Our Reporter, Abuja
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians against selling or disclosing their personal data, particularly their National Identification Numbers (NIN), following alarming revelations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the illicit trade of identity information.
In a press release signed by its Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, the Commission expressed deep concern over recent EFCC disclosures, which pointed to a growing trend where young Nigerians are allegedly paying unsuspecting victims as little as ₦1,500 to ₦2,000 in exchange for copies of their personal details. These data are then reportedly sold to some fintech institutions for around ₦5,000.
“The EFCC’s statement that this fraud scheme is largely driven by an army of young Nigerians… is not only of serious security concern but of grave consequences on the NIN holders,” NIMC stated.
The Commission emphasized that it cannot and will not be held responsible for any breach of personal data that occurs as a result of voluntary disclosure or sharing by individuals, whether directly or through third parties. NIMC reiterated its longstanding public advisory against divulging personal identification details to unauthorized persons or organizations, particularly for financial inducement.
“It is important for Nigerians to understand that the NIN is a critical and sensitive component of national security infrastructure. Its misuse can have far-reaching consequences,” the Commission added.
Meanwhile, to enhance security and personal control, NIMC urged the public to download the NINAuth App, available on Apple iOS and Google Play Store. The app allows users to manage and safeguard their identity information, offering features such as secure verification, data privacy control, and other identity management benefits.
The Commission also reminded service providers that every NIN presented for service access must undergo proper verification before approval, as part of efforts to curb identity fraud and abuse.
