The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians, urging them not to disclose their National Identification Numbers (NIN) to unapproved individuals or entities in exchange for financial rewards.
This comes in response to reports of citizens being enticed to provide their NINs for monetary gain—a practice deemed unlawful under Nigeria’s NIMC Act (2007), Data Protection Act, and Cybercrime Act.
In a Wednesday statement by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, the commission confirmed awareness of the illicit activity and revealed that suspects had been apprehended in collaboration with security operatives.
NIMC disclosed that after receiving reports of the scam, it partnered with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force to arrest the perpetrators. “The suspects are under interrogation and will face legal consequences,” the agency added.
The commission clarified that neither NIMC nor the federal government sanctions the collection or use of NINs by third parties for financial incentives. It stressed that violators would face strict penalties, stating, “Providing your NIN for monetary compensation is illegal. Offenders will not escape the law.”
Additionally, NIMC restated its call for citizens to safeguard their personal data, warning that sharing NINs with unverified platforms or individuals could lead to identity theft, fraud, or cybercrimes. “NINs are strictly for verified access to government or private services and must not be misused,” the statement emphasized.
The public is urged to report any suspicious NIN-related activities to NIMC through its official channels.
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