The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Mr. Lere Olayinka, has proposed mandatory identity verification for all social media users in Nigeria.
Olayinka, in a post on his X account on Monday, argued that individuals should be required to provide a National Identification Number (NIN) alongside a valid government-issued identification such as an international passport, voter’s card, or driver’s licence before they can create or manage any social media account.
According to him, such a step would help curb the spread of false information and ensure greater accountability in the digital space.
His statement read, “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.”
