The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians against the sale or disclosure of their National Identification Numbers (NINs) to unauthorised individuals or organisations, particularly in exchange for money. The Commission described the practice as not only illegal but a grave threat to personal data security and national integrity.
This warning comes on the heels of disturbing reports from Anambra State, where certain residents are allegedly being induced with cash to surrender their NINs to unknown agents. In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Dr Kayode Adegoke, the NIMC confirmed that it had received intelligence on the illicit activities and had taken immediate action in collaboration with security agencies.
“The Commission has been informed of the illegal operations of individuals and groups in Anambra State who are soliciting NINs from unsuspecting residents in exchange for monetary rewards,” the statement read. “These actions are criminal and violate multiple federal laws, including the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, the Data Protection Act, and the Cybercrime Act.”
Dr Adegoke further disclosed that, working in conjunction with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, arrests have already been made. The suspects, he said, are currently undergoing interrogation and will be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others involved in similar schemes.
The NIMC emphasised that no part of the Federal Government’s policy authorises any individual, organisation, or third party to collect NINs from citizens for monetary purposes. It stated categorically that any person or group found engaging in such transactions would face full legal consequences.
“At no time should any Nigerian trade their NIN for money or any form of incentive,” the Commission warned. “This practice is unlawful and dangerous. It exposes citizens to identity theft, fraud, and other forms of cybercrime.”
The Commission reiterated its advisory that NINs should only be used by their rightful owners for legitimate purposes such as accessing government services or verifying identity in secure private sector transactions. It warned the public to be cautious of unverified individuals or platforms requesting personal data and advised that any suspicious activity should be promptly reported through official NIMC channels.
Dr Adegoke concluded by reminding Nigerians that their NIN is a critical part of their digital identity and should be protected at all costs. He urged the public to stay vigilant and cooperate with authorities to curb the growing menace of data exploitation.
With more than 100 million Nigerians now registered in the National Identity Database, the Commission is doubling down on efforts to ensure that the integrity of the system is not compromised by fraudulent actors exploiting ignorance or economic hardship.
