The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has once again warned Nigerians against sharing or selling their National Identification Number (NIN) details in exchange for money, stressing that it will not take responsibility for any fraudulent activities resulting from such actions.
“NIMC will not be held responsible for any personal information shared by an individual directly or by proxy for financial gain or inducement,” the agency stated in a public notice.
This is not the first time the commission has raised concerns about the matter. Over the years, it has consistently cautioned against the unauthorized distribution of NIN details to third parties. The issue gained renewed attention after reports emerged of personal data being compromised and allegedly sold for as little as ₦190 (13 cents) on a platform called Anyverify. The current warning is part of the commission’s ongoing efforts to protect national identity data and curb misuse.
The commission noted that some individuals have been selling their NIN details to middlemen for amounts ranging between ₦1,500 ($0.98) and ₦2,000 ($1.31). These intermediaries allegedly resell the data to suspected fintech platforms for up to ₦5,000 ($3.27), putting unsuspecting individuals at risk of identity theft and financial fraud.
NIMC also urged individuals, government bodies, and financial service providers to verify NIN details thoroughly before approving transactions or services. Neglecting proper verification, the agency warned, could lead to profound legal and security implications.
The commission reminded the public that selling or sharing NIN data is not only unsafe but also a breach of national data protection laws. This offense may carry criminal penalties.
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