The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians against sharing their National Identification Number (NIN) for monetary compensation, citing legal and security risks. This follows the arrest of individuals in Anambra State who were caught illegally collecting NINs in exchange for money. According to NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, the operation, conducted in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, highlights a growing trend of unauthorized NIN collection, which violates federal laws such as the NIMC Act, Nigeria Data Protection Act, and Cybercrimes Act.
The Commission emphasized that only authorized platforms are permitted to collect or verify NINs for legitimate purposes like public services or regulatory compliance. It urged Nigerians to safeguard their NINs and avoid sharing them with unauthorized individuals or platforms, warning that violators would face prosecution. Additionally, NIMC reminded citizens of the risks of identity theft and financial fraud associated with exposing personal data and advised vigilance against fraudulent activities.
In Nigeria’s telecom sector, where NIN is now integrated into SIM registration processes, safeguarding this information is critical. Unauthorized access to NINs could compromise telecom services, enabling fraudsters to clone SIM cards or access linked financial accounts. As digitalization deepens in the industry, protecting personal data like NIN is essential for ensuring secure and reliable telecom operations.
About the Author
