The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has raised a red flag over a disturbing trend involving Nigerians selling their personal data for as little as ₦1,500. The commission warns that this practice not only violates data protection laws but also poses a serious threat to national security.
Speaking at a recent stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, the Director-General of the NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, disclosed that unscrupulous individuals have been caught willingly trading sensitive information, such as their National Identification Numbers (NINs), phone numbers, and other biometric data to third parties — many of whom remain unidentified and untraceable.
“We are alarmed that people are selling off their digital identities for amounts as small as ₦1,000 or ₦1,500. This is not only illegal but opens the door for criminal activities such as identity theft, terrorism financing, and other forms of cybercrime,” Coker-Odusote stated.
She emphasized that the misuse of identity information compromises the integrity of national databases and enables criminal networks to create fake identities, gain unauthorized access to secure systems, and engage in fraudulent financial activities.
The commission is currently collaborating with law enforcement agencies, telecom operators, and regulatory bodies to trace and prosecute individuals and syndicates involved in the illegal trade of personal data.
In light of this development, the NIMC is urging all Nigerians to treat their identity information with the same seriousness as their bank PINs and ATM cards.
“Your NIN is not for sale. It is your digital fingerprint. Selling it is like handing a thief the keys to your life,” the DG warned.
NIMC is also intensifying its nationwide awareness campaign to educate citizens on the risks of sharing or selling personal data and the long-term consequences of identity compromise.