The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that Nigerians’ National Identification Numbers and other personal information have been exposed and offered for sale.
The commission described the claim as false and unfounded, saying a video being circulated online is a recycled report from 2024 that had previously been disclaimed.
In a statement issued by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, on Wednesday, NIMC said its National Identity Database had not been breached or compromised.
“The Commission wishes to state, categorically, that this claim is false and unfounded,” NIMC said.
NIMC Warns Against Panic
The commission said it maintains multi-layered security measures to protect the personal information of registered Nigerians and legal residents.
NIMC expressed concern over the circulation of what it described as unverified information, warning that such claims could mislead the public and create unnecessary panic.
It urged Nigerians to disregard the viral video and rely on the commission’s official channels for information concerning the National Identity Management System.
Commission Orders Investigation
While maintaining that its systems remain protected, NIMC said its Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.
The investigation is expected to determine whether any of the commission’s licensed tokenisation verification agents breached their licensing agreements, either directly or through sub-licensees.
NIMC said the probe would help establish the facts surrounding the claims and strengthen safeguards against any possible unauthorised access to identity information.
NIN Authentication Platform
The commission also pointed to its recently launched NIN Authentication platform, NINAuth, which it described as a system designed to strengthen data security and privacy during identity verification.
According to NIMC, the platform requires the explicit consent of a NIN holder before personal data is shared for Know Your Customer processes and other verification purposes.
It said NINAuth allows Nigerians to verify their identities for services including SIM registration, passport and immigration processing, tax filings and financial transactions without unnecessarily exposing their raw NIN or other personal information.
NIMC said it would continue working with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to strengthen the protection of Nigerians’ identity information and combat misinformation surrounding the national identity system.
