The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a strong disclaimer regarding recent reports of Nigerians allegedly selling their personal identity information, including their National Identification Number (NIN), for financial gain.
The Commission said it will not be held accountable for any consequences arising from such actions
In a statement signed by Kayode Adegoke, head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, the Commission expressed deep concern over a recent statement credited to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which alleged that a group of young Nigerians have been collecting and trading individuals’ identity data, including their NIN, with some financial technology (fintech) companies.
According to the EFCC’s report, the alleged perpetrators offer unsuspecting individuals between N1,500 and N2,000 to convince them to surrender copies of their personal data. The information is then reportedly sold to some fintech institutions for approximately N5,000.
NIMC described this development as not only a major breach of data privacy but a matter of national security. “The statement by the EFCC, that this fraud scheme is largely driven by an army of young Nigerians offering a paltry payment of between N1,500 and N2,000 to their victims to make them surrender a copy of their personal information details to them and sell the same information to some Fintech Institutions for about N5,000, is not only of serious security concern but of grave consequences on the NIN holders,” the Commission warned.
In response, NIMC reiterated that it will not be liable for any consequences resulting from the unauthorised sharing of personal data by individuals, either directly or through third parties, in exchange for financial rewards or inducements. It emphasised that Nigerians have been repeatedly advised not to disclose their NIN or related personal details to unauthorised persons or institutions.
“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,” the statement read.
The Commission also reminded service providers and users that any NIN presented for the purpose of accessing services must be duly verified before such services are granted. This is to ensure the authenticity of the information and protect against fraudulent activities.
As part of its broader effort to enhance data protection and user control, NIMC encouraged the public to download the NIMC’s official identity verification application, NINAuth, available on both the Apple iOS and Google Play Store platforms.
The app, according to the Commission, offers a range of benefits including secure verification, better protection of the NIN, and greater control over how users’ identity data is accessed and used.
“The general public is by this notice enjoined to download the NINAuth App… to enjoy seamless benefits, including but not limited to protection and security of the NIN, power to control personal information on the NIN and many more,” NIMC stated.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the national identity database and urged Nigerians to act responsibly and remain vigilant in protecting their digital identity credentials.
