The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reignited debates around the regulation of social media platforms in Nigeria. Lere Olayinka, in a Monday post on his verified X account, proposed that the National Identification Number (NIN) and valid government-issued Identity Documents (ID) should be compulsory for anyone seeking to open or operate a social media account in the country.
Olayinka emphasized that without verified identity, misinformation will continue to thrive online.
“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. This proposal seeks to reduce misinformation and increase online accountability,” he said.
Why the Proposal Matters
Nigeria’s NIN database is already central to several aspects of civic life. It is linked to mobile networks, banking institutions, and public records. Olayinka believes applying the same system to social media will ensure accountability and drastically reduce fake accounts that spread harmful content.
Public Reaction and Concerns
While the proposal aligns with global conversations about digital safety, it raises concerns around freedom of expression and data protection. Civil rights advocates argue that mandatory identity disclosure online could expose users to surveillance and limit free speech.
Frontpagenews.ng reports that Olayinka’s stance highlights a growing urgency within Nigeria’s government to find solutions to the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and identity fraud across digital platforms.
