Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has called for stricter regulations on social media usage in Nigeria.
Olayinka suggested that individuals should be required to present their National Identification Number (NIN) along with a valid government-issued ID — such as an international passport, voter’s card, or driver’s license — before opening or operating social media accounts.
He made the proposal in a post on his X account on Monday, arguing that such a move would curb misinformation and promote accountability 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 wrote.
Currently in Nigeria, the NIN is already linked with bank accounts and mobile phone numbers.