Olayinka Calls for NIN, ID Verification to Curb Fake Social Media Accounts

Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, has urged the government to enforce stricter regulations on social media usage.

In a post on his X handle on Monday, August 25, Olayinka proposed that only individuals with a National Identification Number (NIN) and a valid identity card such as an international passport, voter’s card, or driver’s license should be allowed to create and operate social media accounts.

He wrote: “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.”

According to him, the measure would help reduce the spread of misinformation, promote transparency, and increase accountability in the digital space.