NIMC Raises Alarm Over Rising Fraud Involving Sale of Nigerians’ Personal Data

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has expressed deep concern over the growing incidence of fraud linked to the illegal sale of Nigerians’ personal data, especially National Identification Numbers (NIN). The agency issued a stern warning that it would not bear responsibility for any negative consequences faced by citizens who knowingly or unknowingly share their NIN with unauthorised individuals or organisations.

This alert comes in response to a recent revelation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which disclosed that more than 2,000 Nigerians have fallen victim to a widespread scam. According to the EFCC, scammers are enticing citizens with payments ranging between ₦1,500 and ₦2,000 in exchange for copies of their personal data, which are subsequently resold to Fintech companies for as much as ₦5,000.

Quoting the EFCC’s findings, the NIMC said, “This fraud scheme is largely driven by an army of young Nigerians offering a paltry payment of between N1500 and N2000 to their victims to make them surrender a copy of their personal information details to them and sell the same information to some Fintech Institutions for about N5000.”

NIMC Urges Nigerians to Safeguard Their NINs, Highlights Shared Responsibility for Digital Identity Security

In a statement released in Abuja on Sunday, the Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, described the growing trend as “a serious security concern” with “grave consequences for the NIN holders.” He emphasised that the responsibility for safeguarding personal data rests with every individual, warning that carelessly sharing such sensitive information could lead to identity theft, fraud, and other criminal activities.

“The NIMC wishes to state clearly that it will not be held responsible for any personal information shared by an individual directly or by proxy for the purpose of financial gain or inducement,” Adegoke stated.

He reminded the public that the Commission has consistently advised Nigerians not to disclose their NINs to any unauthorised persons or entities. The misuse of such data, he stressed, could have long-lasting implications for the affected individuals.

In addition to advising the public, the Commission also called on service providers to be more vigilant by verifying all NINs presented to them before granting access to any services. “Such verification is key to protecting users’ identities,” NIMC stated.

To strengthen personal data security, the agency urged Nigerians to download and use the NINAuth App, available on the Apple iOS and Google Play Store. The app is designed to give individuals more control over their digital identity and enhance the protection of their personal information.

Adegoke concluded by reiterating that digital identity security is a shared responsibility and called on all Nigerians to treat their NINs with the same level of confidentiality as they would their ATM PINs or passwords.