…Commission disclaims liability for personal data shared by individuals
By Chidi Ugwu
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has expressed serious concern over recent reports involving the sale of Nigerians’ personal information, including their National Identification Number (NIN), linked to statements from the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
Kayode Adegoke, NIMC’s Head, Corporate Communications, in a statement, stated that the EFCC revealed that this fraudulent scheme is driven by a network of young Nigerians who lure victims with small sums – between N1,500 and N2,000 – to obtain copies of their personal data.
“This information is then sold to certain Fintech companies for approximately N5,000. This situation poses a significant security threat and carries severe consequences for holders of the NIN.
“NIMC wishes to underscore that it will not bear responsibility for any personal data shared by individuals, directly or indirectly, in exchange for financial incentives or other inducements.
“NIMC has consistently advised Nigerians never to disclose their NIN to unauthorized persons or organizations. It is important to note that any NIN presented when accessing services must undergo proper verification before services are granted. Both Nigerians and service providers are urged to take this seriously” the statement noted.
In addition, the agency encouraged the public to download the NINAuth App, available on Apple iOS and Google Play Store, to benefit from enhanced security features such as protection of the NIN and user control over personal data.
