The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians against selling their personal data, including National Identification Numbers (NIN), for as little as N1,500 to N2,000, citing serious security risks and consequences.
In a statement released on Sunday, NIMC spokesperson Kayode Adegoke highlighted the growing vulnerability of citizens to data theft, driven by fraudulent schemes. The commission expressed concern over reports, attributed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), that young Nigerians are enticing individuals with small payments to obtain copies of their personal information, which are then sold to fintech institutions for approximately N5,000.
NIMC emphasized that it will not be held liable for any personal information shared by individuals for financial gain. The commission reiterated its longstanding advice against disclosing NINs to unauthorized individuals or organizations and stressed the importance of verifying NINs before granting access to services.
To enhance data security, NIMC urged the public to download the NINAuth App, available on Apple iOS and Google Play Store, which offers features such as NIN protection, control over personal information, and other benefits. The commission called on Nigerians and service providers to remain vigilant and prioritize data security to prevent exploitation by data marketers.
