The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has raised alarm over the troubling trend of Nigerians selling their National Identification Numbers (NINs) and other personal data for as little as ₦2,000.
The agency has warned that such actions not only violate national data laws but also expose individuals to fraud, impersonation, and criminal activity.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the commission urged citizens to be more vigilant in protecting their digital identities.
“The consequences of giving away your NIN slip, photocopy or personal information for a token can be grave,” the commission stated.
While this may sound like a basic warning, the root of the problem is deeper — rising poverty and low digital literacy are making many Nigerians easy targets. Many are reportedly unaware of what their NIN really means, and how fraudsters can use it to open bank accounts, take loans, or impersonate them in criminal schemes.
In such conditions, an offer of ₦2,000 — about $1.30 — can seem like a lifeline. Without proper awareness of how digital identity works, people often don’t realise that what they’re selling is far more valuable than they’re being paid.
This isn’t a new problem. In 2023, reports surfaced about unauthorised platforms like AnyVerify offering Nigerians’ sensitive data, including NINs and BVNs, for as little as ₦100.
Despite investigations and public outrage, access to this kind of information still exists in various corners of the web. Fraudsters often compile and resell these details to carry out online scams, apply for SIM cards, or open bank accounts fraudulently.
The Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), introduced in 2019, was meant to protect personal data and guide how it’s collected, stored, and shared. But enforcement remains inconsistent.
Most Nigerians don’t know their rights under the regulation, and many organisations, especially smaller fintech startups and vendors, do not comply with the rules. If the current trend continues, Nigeria could be staring at a future where identity fraud becomes not just common, but systemic.
For now, the NIMC’s warning is a timely reminder, but it needs to be backed by stronger education campaigns and visible enforcement of data privacy laws.
