The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a strong warning to Nigerians over the illegal sale of their National Identification Numbers (NINs), citing a growing wave of data fraud and identity theft.
The caution comes in response to a report by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which revealed that over 2,000 Nigerians have fallen victim to fraudsters who purchase their personal data for as little as ₦1,500–₦2,000 and resell it to Fintech companies for as much as ₦5,000.
According to the EFCC, the scheme is largely driven by young individuals who offer small payments to unsuspecting citizens in exchange for their personal data, which is then illegally monetized.
In a statement issued Sunday in Abuja, NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, described the situation as a major national security concern with potentially severe consequences for those involved.
“The NIMC will not be liable for any consequences arising from individuals who choose to disclose their NINs for financial gain or through third parties,” Adegoke stated.
He emphasized that carelessly sharing sensitive data puts individuals at risk of identity theft, fraud, and other criminal exploitation. He also reminded the public that the commission has consistently advised Nigerians not to reveal their NINs to unauthorized persons or organisations.
NIMC further urged service providers to thoroughly verify all NINs presented to them before granting access to services, as this helps ensure the protection of users’ identities.
To safeguard their data, citizens were encouraged to download the NINAuth App available on both the Apple iOS and Google Play stores.
Adegoke concluded by stressing that securing one’s digital identity is a collective responsibility and advised Nigerians to guard their NINs as strictly as they would their ATM PINs or online passwords.
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