BY: Mustapha Lawal
Claim:
A Facebook message claims Nigerians can convert their NIN slip into a plastic or digital ID card for ₦2,000–₦5,000 through an agent.
Verdict:
FALSE! The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has debunked the claim. The service is unauthorised, and the offer is part of a scam to extort unsuspecting Nigerians.
Full Text
A message circulating widely on Facebook and WhatsApp claims that users can get a “digital ID card” by paying ₦2,000 for a PDF version or ₦5,000 for a plastic card. The ads claims to convert a National Identification Number (NIN) slip into a portable card and urges users to contact a listed WhatsApp number.
Screenshot of one of such post ||FCA
The posts are being spread across personal profiles and Facebook groups targeting Nigerians looking to obtain valid identification. Such messages are published here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.
With many citizens still waiting for the official National e-ID card or unaware of NIMC’s digital wallet and self-service platforms, such offers may seem like a shortcut. FactCheckAfrica reviewed the content and verified its authenticity.
Verification
The post raises multiple red flags. First, the language used is filled with grammatical errors, random capitalisation, and poor formatting, which are hallmarks of scam messages.
Secondly, the message lacks any official NIMC links, references, or contact details. The phone number listed does not match any published NIMC contact on its official website.
We also examined NIMC’s verified Facebook page and X account (formerly Twitter) and found a public disclaimer issued on March 24, 2025, signed by Kayode Adegoke (PhD.), the head of the Corporate Communication Unit of NIMC, debunking such unauthorised services.
Screenshot of NIMC disclaimer ||FCA
CONCLUSION:
The claim that Nigerians can convert their NIN slips into digital or plastic ID cards through agents circulating on Facebook is false. It is not approved by the NIMC and is a scam targeting uninformed citizens. Nigerians are urged to avoid these services and only use the official NIMC platforms or visit authorised centres. To access your digital ID, use NIMC’s self-service portal at https://selfservicemod.nimc.gov.ng or the verified mobile app.
