The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians against selling their data, including National Identification Numbers, for small sums of money.
The commission’s spokesman, Kayode Adegoke, raised the alarm in a Sunday statement, expressing concern over growing cases of citizens compromising their sensitive information for payments as low as N1,500 to N2,000.
The warning follows reports of organised schemes where young Nigerians collect personal data from unsuspecting individuals and sell the information to financial technology companies for about N5,000 per record.
NIMC described this practice as both a security threat and a dangerous trend that could expose victims to financial fraud and identity theft. The commission emphasised it cannot be held responsible for consequences arising from such voluntary disclosure of personal information.
NIMC reiterated its longstanding advisory against sharing NIN details with unauthorised persons or organisations.
The commission stressed that service providers must properly verify any NIN presented to access services.
This renewed warning comes amid increasing vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem, where personal data has become a commodity in underground markets.
To enhance data protection, NIMC urged citizens to download its official NINAuth application from approved app stores.
The mobile platform offers features including NIN security controls and personal information management tools. The commission emphasised that using the authorised app provides safer alternatives for identity verification while maintaining data privacy.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
