Federal government told to make NIN, ID mandatory before operating social media account

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has called on the federal government to tighten rules on social media in Nigeria.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Olayinka suggested that Nigerians should be required to provide their National Identification Number (NIN) and a valid ID card, such as an international passport, voter’s card, or driver’s licence, before opening or using social media accounts.

According to him, this move would reduce fake accounts, curb misinformation, and make people more accountable online.

He noted that since NIN is already compulsory for banking and telecom services, applying the same rule to social media would strengthen digital accountability in Nigeria.