The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians, urging them to refrain from disclosing their National Identification Number (NIN) to unauthorized individuals, organisations, or platforms.
The caution, contained in a statement signed on Wednesday by the Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, comes in the wake of reports that certain individuals and organisations in Anambra State have been soliciting NINs from residents in exchange for money.
Describing the development as illegal and a violation of extant laws, the Commission stated that the act contravenes provisions of the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, and the Cybercrime Act 2023.
“The National Identity Management Commission has been notified of the activities of unauthorised individuals or organisations purportedly requesting the submission of NINs from Anambra residents in exchange for money,” the statement read.
It added, “Upon receiving intelligence about these activities, the Commission, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), swiftly apprehended the individuals involved. They are currently undergoing interrogation and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
NIMC warned the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious attempts to collect NINs to the appropriate authorities.
It reiterated that neither the Federal government nor the Commission has authorised the solicitation of NINs for monetary purposes or through unofficial channels.
“At no point should Nigerians provide their NINs in exchange for money. Such actions are illegal and any individual caught will face the full weight of the law,” the Commission emphasised.
The agency reminded Nigerians that NINs are sensitive identity data and should only be shared when required for accessing verified government or private sector services.
Reassuring the public of its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the national identity system, the Commission noted that it had put measures in place to curb the activities of criminal elements seeking to exploit the NIN for fraudulent purposes.
“The general public is advised to report suspicious activities related to NIN collection via nimccustomercare@nimc.gov.ng or call 07002255646 and 01923000010,” the statement added.
NIMC also commended the support of the nation’s security agencies, noting that their collaboration remains critical to the success and credibility of the national identity enrolment exercise.