The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has cautioned Nigerians against selling or sharing their National Identification Number (NIN) and other personal details, warning that such actions pose serious security risks and could lead to severe consequences.
This warning follows a disclosure by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which revealed a growing trend where young fraudsters offer unsuspecting individuals between ₦1,500 and ₦2,000 in exchange for their personal data. The stolen information is then sold to financial technology (fintech) firms for as much as ₦5,000.
Speaking on the issue, NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, described the practice as deeply troubling. He emphasized that individuals who share their NINs for monetary gain are exposing themselves to identity theft and other criminal liabilities.
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Adegoke stressed that the Commission will not be liable for any misuse of personal data that is voluntarily disclosed by individuals or through a proxy.
He urged citizens and service providers to verify any NIN used for service access, adding that the public should avoid giving out their NINs to unauthorized persons or platforms. To enhance security and control, he encouraged Nigerians to download the NINAuth app from the Apple iOS or Google Play Store.
The app offers features such as secure access, protection of personal data, and user control over shared information, among other benefits.
