NIMC DEBUNKS VIRAL CLAIMS OF NIN DATA BREACH, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO CITIZENS’ DATA SECURITY -assures Nigerians NIDB remains secure By Raymond Enoch
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has dismissed as false and unfounded viral claims alleging a breach of Nigeria’s National Identification Number (NIN) database, assuring citizens and legal residents that the National Identity Database (NIDB) remains secure.
NIMC, in a statement issued in Abuja by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, said the video currently circulating on social media was a recycled news report from 2024, which had already been officially disclaimed by the Commission.
The Commission stated categorically that the NIDB “has not been breached or compromised at any point,” stressing that it operates robust, multi-layered security infrastructure to protect the personal information of every registered citizen and legal resident.
NIMC expressed concern over the circulation of what it described as unverified claims, warning that such information has the potential to mislead the public and cause unnecessary panic.
It consequently urged Nigerians to disregard the contents of the viral video and obtain information concerning the National Identity Management System only through NIMC’s official communication channels.
The Commission also pointed to the recent launch of NIN Authentication (NINAuth), a suite of web, API and mobile verification services designed to strengthen data security, protect privacy and simplify access to government and other essential services.
According to NIMC, NINAuth serves as its official channel for integrating authorised services with the Commission’s backend infrastructure, providing an additional layer of protection while giving individuals greater control over their personal information.
A major feature of the platform, the Commission said, is the requirement for explicit consent from NIN holders before their data can be shared for Know Your Customer (KYC) processes or other verification purposes.
NIMC said the arrangement reinforces transparency and user autonomy within Nigeria’s identity ecosystem, enabling individuals to securely verify their identities for services such as SIM registration, immigration and passport processing, tax filings and financial transactions without unnecessarily exposing their raw NIN or other personal data.
The Commission said the initiative reflects its compliance with the NIMC Act 2026 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, which provide frameworks for the fair, lawful and transparent handling of citizens’ personal information.
Reiterating its commitment to protecting the identity information of Nigerians and legal residents, NIMC said it would continue working with relevant security and government agencies to strengthen its systems and public engagement while combating misinformation.
Members of the public seeking clarification or wishing to raise concerns about their NIN or personal data were advised to contact NIMC through its official channels, including its toll-free line 0800 08000616462, emails ieu@nimc.gov.ng and actu@nimc.gov.ng, and its verified social media platforms.
The Commission reaffirmed its identity management mandate with the assurance: “NIMC — Providing Assured Identity.”
