Wike's Aide calls for Mandatory NIN, ID for Social Media Accounts
The proposal was made during an interview on a radio program in Abuja. Olayinka argued that such a measure is necessary to curb the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and cyberbullying, which he stated are prevalent on anonymous accounts. He suggested that linking online identities to a verifiable, government-issued number would instill a greater sense of responsibility in users and make it easier to hold individuals accountable for harmful content.
This call aligns with a longstanding push by various Nigerian government bodies for tighter control over social media platforms. Past attempts have included legislative efforts to regulate speech online, often criticized by civil society organizations and digital rights advocates as potential tools for suppressing dissent and freedom of expression.
The proposal is expected to generate significant public debate. Proponents will likely view it as a necessary step for national security and online safety. Critics will almost certainly raise concerns over data privacy, the potential for government surveillance, and the infringement on the constitutional rights of citizens to free speech and anonymity.
As of now, this remains a proposal from a ministerial aide and does not constitute an official government policy. Any move to enact such a rule would require a formal legislative process or a directive from a relevant regulatory agency.
