The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has warned Nigerians not to sell their personal details or National Identification Number (NIN) to fraudsters.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kayode Adegoke, the commission revealed that some young Nigerians are being paid as little as ₦1,500 to ₦2,000 to give up their NINs. These details are then sold to fintech companies for around ₦5,000.
According to NIMC, this warning follows concerns raised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) about the growing black market for personal data. “This fraud scheme is largely driven by an army of young Nigerians,” the statement reads.
The agency stressed that it will not be held responsible for any identity data shared by individuals directly or through middlemen in exchange for money. NIMC said the act is not only dangerous but also puts NIN holders at serious risk.
“Nigerians have been informed repeatedly… not to disclose their NIN to any unauthorised individual or organisation,” the commission stated.
To protect users, NIMC advised that all NINs used to access services must be properly verified. It also encouraged citizens to use its NINAuth platform.
Launched in May 2025, NINAuth helps people verify and control their identity data. It includes mobile, API, and web tools, and is already in use by government ministries and agencies.
The platform allows individuals to monitor how their data is used, making it harder for criminals to exploit stolen NINs.
In summary, NIMC is urging all Nigerians to take their personal data seriously. Selling or giving away NINs may seem harmless but the consequences can be severe.
