The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians, advising them against sharing their National Identification Numbers (NINs) with unauthorised individuals or organisations in exchange for money. The Commission described the practice as illegal and punishable under several laws, including the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, the Data Protection Act, and the Cybercrime Act.
The alert follows reports from Anambra State, where some residents were allegedly enticed to submit their NINs for financial compensation. In a statement released on Wednesday by Dr Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, the NIMC revealed that arrests have already been made in collaboration with 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,” the statement read. “They are currently being interrogated and would be made to face the full wrath of the law.”
The Commission emphasised that neither it nor the Federal Government authorised the use of NINs for monetary incentives by third parties. It further warned that anyone found engaging in such illicit acts would face legal consequences.
“At no time should NIN holders give out their NINs for monetary compensation. This is against the laws of the Federation,” the Commission stated. It reiterated that NINs are strictly for accessing verified government or private sector services and must be protected to prevent identity theft and cybercrimes.
NIMC advised citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or unauthorised activities involving the collection of NINs through its official channels.
