The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians, urging them not to sell or share their National Identification Number (NIN) with anyone offering money or other incentives. This follows reports that residents of Anambra State are being approached by individuals asking them to submit their NINs in exchange for cash.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, revealed that the Commission had received credible information about this unlawful practice. He said that some suspects had already been apprehended with the help of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.
“The National Identity Management Commission has been notified of the activities of unauthorised individuals or organisations purportedly asking for the submission of the National Identification Number of Anambra residents in exchange for money.
“Upon receiving the information on the activities of the unscrupulous individuals, NIMC, in conjunction with the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force, swiftly arrested the culprits behind the illegal collection of the NIN. They are currently being interrogated and would be made to face the full wrath of the law,” the statement read.
NIMC also made it clear that no government agency or private entity is permitted to collect NINs from citizens in return for money. The commission reminded the public that such actions are illegal under several national laws, including the NIMC Act of 2007, the Data Protection Act, and the Cybercrime Act.
“At no time should NIN holders give out their NINs for monetary compensation. This is against the laws of the Federation. Anyone caught will be dealt with appropriately,” it warned.
The Commission also noted that sharing NINs with untrusted sources could lead to identity theft, data misuse, and financial fraud. It urged citizens to safeguard their personal information and only use their NINs on verified government or corporate platforms.
“The NIN can only be used by the holders to access government or private sector services, and it must be verified,” the statement added.
