The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a serious warning about a growing and deeply concerning trend: Nigerians are reportedly selling their National Identification Numbers (NINs) and other sensitive personal data for as little as ₦2,000—approximately $1.30. This alarming practice not only violates national data protection laws but also exposes individuals to a wide range of risks, including identity theft, financial fraud, and criminal impersonation.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), the commission urged citizens to be more vigilant in safeguarding their digital identities. “The consequences of giving away your NIN slip, photocopy, or personal information for a token can be grave,” the agency stated, emphasizing that such actions could have long-term repercussions.
While the warning may seem straightforward, the underlying causes are complex. Widespread poverty and low levels of digital literacy have made many Nigerians vulnerable to exploitation. For individuals struggling to make ends meet, a small cash offer can appear as a lifeline—especially when they lack awareness of the true value and implications of their personal data.
Many citizens do not fully understand what their NIN represents or how it can be misused. Fraudsters can exploit this data to:
- Open bank accounts in the victim’s name
- Apply for loans and credit
- Obtain SIM cards
- Commit crimes while impersonating the victim
This issue is not new. In 2023, reports emerged about unauthorized platforms such as AnyVerify, which allegedly offered access to Nigerians’ sensitive data—including NINs and Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs)—for as little as ₦100. Despite public outrage and investigations, such data remains accessible in certain corners of the internet, fueling a black market for identity information.
Cybercriminals often compile and resell these details to facilitate online scams, fraudulent financial activities, and unauthorized access to services.
Nigeria’s Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), introduced in 2019, was designed to safeguard personal data and establish clear guidelines for its collection, storage, and sharing. However, enforcement of these regulations has been inconsistent. Many Nigerians remain unaware of their rights under the NDPR, and numerous organizations—particularly smaller fintech startups and informal vendors—fail to comply with the law.
If this trend continues unchecked, Nigeria risks facing a future where identity fraud becomes systemic, undermining trust in digital systems and financial institutions.
While NIMC’s warning is timely and necessary, it must be accompanied by:
- Robust public education campaigns to raise awareness about digital identity and data protection
- Stricter enforcement of data privacy laws
- Collaboration with law enforcement and tech platforms to shut down unauthorized data brokers
Protecting personal data is not just a legal obligation—it’s a matter of national security and individual safety. Nigerians are urged to treat their NIN and other personal information with the same caution as they would their bank cards or passports.
