Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged the federal government to introduce stricter regulations on the use of social media in Nigeria.
In a post shared via his X account on Monday, Olayinka proposed that Nigerians should be required to provide their National Identification Number (NIN) alongside a valid government-issued identification, such as an international passport, voter’s card, or driver’s license, before opening or operating social media accounts.
“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, the NIN is already integrated with bank accounts and SIM card registration in Nigeria, but Olayinka believes extending its use to social media platforms will help tackle the spread of misinformation and enhance user accountability.
His suggestion has sparked debate among Nigerians, with some supporting tighter controls to curb fake news, while others view it as a potential threat to free expression online.