The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has warned Nigerians against selling or disclosing their National Identification Number (NIN) or other personal information to unauthorised individuals or organisations, saying it will not be liable for any misuse of such data.
The agency’s warning follows a recent statement by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which alleges that young Nigerians are paying between ₦1,500 and ₦2,000 to obtain personal information, including NINs, from individuals, which they then sell to fintech companies for about ₦5,000.
Technology Times had earlier reported the EFCC’s concerns about the trend of identity data being traded for profit, especially among young Nigerians.
The NIMC wishes to state clearly that it will not be held responsible for any personal information shared by an individual directly or by proxy for the purpose of financial gain or inducement.”
NIMC: Identity fraud on NIN driven by young Nigerians
“This fraud scheme is largely driven by an army of young Nigerians,” the EFCC says.
In a statement signed by Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, the Commission says, “The NIMC wishes to state clearly that it will not be held responsible for any personal information shared by an individual directly or by proxy for the purpose of financial gain or inducement.”
NIMC says it has repeatedly warned Nigerians not to disclose their NIN to unauthorised parties. It also urges service providers to ensure that any NIN presented for services is properly verified.
To help Nigerians protect their digital identity, NIMC asks the public to download its NINAuth app, available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store. The app allows users to safeguard their NIN, control access to their personal data, and secure their digital identity.
In Nigeria, the NIN is required for accessing government services, opening bank accounts, SIM registration, and other critical transactions.
NIMC is the identity agency of Nigerian that manages the national identity database and the issuance of NINs under the National Identity Management Commission Act, 2007.
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