Lere Olayinka, aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has proposed that Nigerians must provide NIN and a valid ID before opening or operating social media accounts to curb misinformation and boost accountability.
The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, has proposed mandatory identity verification for Nigerians seeking to open or operate social media accounts.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, Olayinka suggested that users should provide a National Identification Number (NIN) along with a valid government-issued ID such as an international passport, voter’s card, or driver’s license before gaining access to social media platforms.
“NIN, Valid Identity Card (International Passport, Voter’s Card, Driver’s Licence). These two should be made compulsory to open and operate social media accounts,” Olayinka wrote. He added that the proposal aims to “reduce misinformation and increase online accountability.”
Nigeria’s NIN system is already linked to banking and telecommunications services, making it central to verifying citizens’ identities. Advocates of the proposal argue that extending its use to social media would curb fake accounts, bots, and anonymous misinformation campaigns.
However, the call is likely to spark debate over digital privacy and freedom of expression, as similar identity-based regulations in other countries have faced criticism for enabling government surveillance and censorship.