DG/CEO, NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote.

Sequel to recent disclosure by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, the National Identity Management Commission NIMC, has warned Nigerian citizens and resident against the danger of sharing their personal data including the National Identity Number NIN with unauthorized persons. The Commission has therefore absolved itself of any liability in a situation a citizen runs into danger after sharing his/her personal data for any reason.

Recall that the EFCC had in a recent statement, disclosed that some citizens share their personal information for financial rewards, a development the Commission described as dangerous and worrisome.

According to a statement by the Head, Corporate Communications of NIMC, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, the Commission has noted with serious concern the recent statement by the EFCC that some Nigerians sell their personal information, including that of the National Identification Number NIN.

According to him, this recent disclosure by the EFCC that ”this fraud scheme is largely driven by an army of young Nigerians offering a paltry payment of between N1,500 and N2,000 to their victims to make them surrender a copy of their personal information details to them and sell the same information to some Fintech Institutions for about N5,000” is not only of serious security concern but of grave consequences on the NIN holders.

The statement further reads in part: “NIMC wishes to state clearly that it will not be held responsible for any personal information shared by an individual directly or by proxy for the purpose of financial gain or inducement.

“Nigerians have been informed repeatedly in the past by the NIMC not to disclose their NIN to any unauthorised individual or organisation. Equally of note is that any NIN presented to access services must be duly verified before granting such services. Nigerians and service providers should note this.

“Furthermore, the general public is by this notice enjoined to download the NINAuth App on either Apple iOS or the Google Play Store to enjoy seamless benefits, including but not limited to protection and security of the NIN, the power to control personal information on the NIN, and so many more.”