The National Identity Management Commission has cautioned Nigerians against releasing their National Identification Numbers to unauthorised individuals or organisations, warning that such actions are illegal and expose citizens to identity theft and cybercrime.
The Commission issued the warning after uncovering a scheme in Anambra State, where some residents were reportedly being enticed to submit their NINs in exchange for money. In a statement released on Wednesday by its Head of Corporate Communications, the NIMC confirmed that arrests had been made in collaboration with the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force, and that the suspects involved were undergoing interrogation.
The Commission stressed that the act of exchanging NINs for monetary compensation violates several laws, including the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, the Data Protection Act, and the Cybercrime Act. It also warned that both the buyers and sellers of NIN data would face legal consequences.
According to the NIMC, there is no federal approval for any third party to collect or use individuals’ NINs for financial benefits. The Commission made it clear that NINs are strictly for accessing government and private services and must be used in accordance with legal guidelines.
Reiterating its stance, the Commission urged Nigerians not to disclose their personal data to unverified individuals or platforms. It warned that misuse of such data could lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and other cyber-related crimes.
The NIMC encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious requests for NINs through its official communication channels, stating that protecting the integrity of the national identity database is a shared responsibility.
The warning comes amid growing concerns about data misuse in Nigeria and underscores the importance of safeguarding personal information in an increasingly digital economy.
