By Joy Odor
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has raised serious concerns over a recent statement by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleging that some Nigerians are selling their personal information, including National Identification Numbers (NIN), for monetary gain.
According to the EFCC, an alarming number of young Nigerians have been offering victims between N1,500 and N2,000 in exchange for copies of their personal data, which are then resold to fintech institutions for as much as N5,000.
The Commission in a press statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday by Kayode Adegoke (Ph.D), the Head, Corporate Communications,
NIMC described the trend as a disturbing and growing fraud scheme.
The NIMC warned of the grave security implications such actions pose to NIN holders, stating unequivocally that it will not be liable for any consequences arising from individuals willingly sharing their data for financial inducement.
“The NIMC will not be held responsible for any personal information shared by an individual directly or by proxy for the purpose of financial gain,” the Commission said in an official statement.
The Agency reiterated earlier warnings to Nigerians to refrain from disclosing their NIN or any other sensitive personal information to unauthorized persons or organizations.
It also reminded service providers that any NIN presented for accessing services must be thoroughly verified before such services are rendered.
To help safeguard personal data, NIMC encouraged the public to download and use the NINAuth App, available on Apple iOS and Google Play Store.
The App offers users greater control over their personal information, enhances data security, and provides a range of features aimed at protecting NIN credentials.
NIMC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and responsible in handling their identity data, emphasizing that national security and individual privacy are at stake.
