The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has expressed deep concern over recent revelations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that some Nigerians, particularly youths, are engaging in the illegal sale of personal identity information — including National Identification Numbers (NIN) — for financial gain.
The EFCC disclosed that a growing fraud scheme involves young Nigerians paying unsuspecting victims between N1,500 and N2,000 in exchange for their personal data, which is then resold to financial technology (FinTech) companies for as much as N5,000.
The commission said these fraudulent practices pose a serious national security threat and expose NIN holders to risks such as identity theft, fraud, and unauthorized access to financial services.
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Reacting to the report, NIMC issued a formal statement on Monday, warning that any misuse or unauthorized disclosure of NIN details is solely the responsibility of the individual involved — not the Commission.
“NIMC 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,” the agency stated.
The Commission described the EFCC’s findings as not just troubling, but a “grave security concern” that could have serious consequences for identity owners, especially when their data is used for fraudulent purposes.
According to NIMC, citizens have repeatedly been warned against disclosing their NIN to unauthorized individuals or organizations. It stressed that service providers are required to verify every NIN before granting access to services to ensure authenticity and security.
“We must reiterate that your NIN is not just a number — it is your digital identity,” NIMC warned. “Selling or giving it away irresponsibly can lead to stolen identities, illegal financial transactions, and reputational damage.”
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To empower Nigerians in safeguarding their identity, the Commission urged the public to download and use the NINAuth App, available on both Google Play Store and Apple iOS Store.
As concerns over digital identity fraud continue to rise, NIMC is calling for increased vigilance among the public.
The agency emphasized that the consequences of selling or exposing personal data extend beyond financial risks, potentially involving criminal liability and national security breaches.
“This is a critical moment to take digital identity protection seriously,” the agency said. “Nigerians must understand that personal information is valuable and must be guarded as such.”
For more updates and identity protection tips, citizens are encouraged to visit the official NIMC website or follow verified channels on social media.