Controversy Erupts As Wike’s Aide Pushes For National ID To Access Social Media

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged the government to enforce stricter regulations on social media use in Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a post shared on his X account on Monday, August 25, Olayinka proposed that Nigerians should be required to provide their National Identification Number (NIN) along with a valid government-issued ID—such as an international passport, voter’s card, or driver’s licence—before creating or operating any social media account.

He wrote: “NIN and a valid identity card (International Passport, Voter’s Card, Driver’s Licence) should be made compulsory to open and operate social media accounts.”

According to him, this measure would help tackle misinformation while promoting accountability in online spaces.

Olayinka further explained that integrating social media registration with the existing NIN framework—which is already mandatory for banking and telecommunications—would create a more unified system of digital accountability.

The NIN, which connects verified identities to essential services, is seen as a tool for improving transparency and building trust in digital interactions. Olayinka believes extending it to social media platforms would limit anonymity and reduce the chances of malicious actors manipulating public discourse.