The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has warned Nigerians against disclosing their National Identification Numbers (NIN) to unauthorized individuals or organisations in exchange for money, describing the practice as illegal and punishable under Nigerian law.
The warning comes after reports emerged from Anambra State that some residents were being lured into submitting their NINs for financial compensation — an act NIMC says violates the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, the Data Protection Act, and the Cybercrime Act.
In a statement issued Wednesday, NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, confirmed that arrests had 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 unauthorized individuals or groups soliciting NINs from residents in exchange for cash. Acting swiftly, NIMC, in collaboration with the DSS and Police, apprehended those involved. They are currently under interrogation and will face the full weight of the law,” the statement read.
The Commission stressed that neither it nor the Federal Government has approved the collection or use of NINs by third parties for monetary incentives, and warned that violators would be prosecuted.
“At no time should NIN holders release their details for money. Doing so is illegal and dangerous,” Adegoke said.
NIMC reiterated its earlier advisory urging Nigerians not to share their NINs or personal data with unverified platforms or individuals, warning that such behavior could expose citizens to identity theft and cybercrime.
“The NIN is to be used by the holder for accessing verified government and private sector services — and only through approved channels,” the statement added.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious NIN-related activities to NIMC through its official communication channels.
