Calls for stricter social media regulations in Nigeria intensified on Monday after Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, proposed mandatory identity verification for all social media users.
In a statement released via his X (formerly Twitter) account, Olayinka argued that requiring Nigerians to link their National Identification Number (NIN) and a valid government-issued ID such as an international passport, voter’s card, or driver’s license would help curb misinformation, cyberbullying, and anonymous online abuses.
“NIN and a valid Identity Card (International Passport, Voter’s Card, or Driver’s Licence) should be compulsory before opening or operating a social media account.
Implementing an ID verification system could significantly enhance user accountability.
This proposal seeks to reduce misinformation and increase accountability in Nigeria’s online space,” Olayinka posted.
Nigeria’s social media landscape has grown exponentially, with millions of users across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and X engaging in politics, business, and entertainment.
This ID verification is a step towards fostering a safer online environment.
However, concerns about fake news, hate speech, cybercrime, and online fraud have pushed policymakers to consider tighter regulation.
The Nigerian government has previously clashed with tech giants over content moderation and compliance with local laws. In 2021, Nigeria suspended Twitter for several months after disputes over regulation.
The Importance of ID Verification in Social Media
Having an ID linked to social media accounts is essential for combatting online fraud.
More recently, authorities have pushed for data localization and digital identity integration into financial and telecom services.
Olayinka’s proposal builds on Nigeria’s NIN framework, which already links citizens’ mobile numbers, bank accounts, and government services to verified identity records.
Extending the system to social media platforms could, according to advocates, deter fake profiles, reduce cyberbullying, and make online spaces safer.
Proponents of the idea argue that mandatory verification would help track offenders who use anonymous accounts to spread disinformation or engage in harassment.
A cybersecurity expert, Dr. Femi Alade, told our correspondent that tying social media accounts to NIN could “drastically reduce fake profiles, internet scams, and bot-driven propaganda.”
He added: “When you know your online identity can be traced to your NIN, you are less likely to spread false information or engage in cybercrime.
Experts believe that linking accounts to an ID will help in tracking malicious activities.
This could pave the way for future policies centered around mandatory ID usage.
This is how digital accountability works in modern societies.”
Countries such as India and Singapore have already explored identity-linked social media registration, though with varying degrees of enforcement.
Despite potential benefits, critics warn that the policy could stifle free speech and create avenues for government overreach.
Human rights activist, Amaka Iwobi, argued that while combating misinformation is necessary, forcing citizens to use their NIN to access social media could undermine anonymity rights and expose personal data to misuse.
“Linking social media to NIN might discourage whistleblowers, activists, and ordinary citizens from speaking out against government policies for fear of surveillance,” she said.
Civil society groups have also raised alarms over data privacy breaches, noting that Nigeria has faced multiple leaks of sensitive government databases in recent years.
Olayinka’s comments come at a time when Nigeria is strengthening digital identity integration across critical sectors.
Since 2020, the federal government has mandated that all citizens link their NIN to their SIM cards. Banks also require NIN for opening or maintaining accounts.
The country’s Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023) was introduced to safeguard citizens’ digital information, but enforcement remains weak.
Observers say extending NIN usage to social media could be a logical next step for digital governance, but must be balanced against constitutional rights and global best practices.
While Olayinka’s remarks represent a personal proposal rather than official FCT policy, they echo ongoing debates about regulating Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Experts suggest that if implemented, the policy would require collaboration between the federal government, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and global tech platforms such as Meta, Google, and X.
Whether the proposal gains traction will depend on public opinion, legislative backing, and negotiations with social media companies, many of which resist strict ID requirements to avoid limiting user growth.
As Nigeria’s digital population continues to expand, the balance between online freedom and accountability will remain a hot-button issue.
Olayinka’s call for compulsory NIN and ID verification for social media accounts underscores growing concerns over misinformation, cybercrime, and digital safety.
But the proposal also raises fundamental questions about privacy, free expression, and government control in Africa’s largest democracy.
For now, the debate is open – and Nigerians remain sharply divided on whether mandatory NIN-linked social media is the solution or a threat to the country’s democratic digital future.