Commission dismisses circulating video as recycled 2024 report, highlights NINAuth safeguards and stronger protection of citizens’ personal data
By Chioma Vivian James
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has moved to reassure Nigerians and legal residents that the country’s National Identity Database (NIDB) remains secure, dismissing as false and unfounded viral claims alleging a breach of the National Identification Number (NIN) database.
The Commission, 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.
NIMC stated categorically that the NIDB “has not been breached or compromised at any point,” stressing that the database is protected by robust, multi-layered security infrastructure designed to safeguard the personal information of registered citizens and legal residents.
The Commission expressed concern that the circulation of unverified claims could mislead members of the public and trigger unnecessary anxiety, urging Nigerians to disregard the viral video and rely only on NIMC’s official communication channels for information concerning the National Identity Management System.
The reassurance comes amid growing public sensitivity over the protection of personal and identity data, particularly as digital identity systems become increasingly integrated into essential government and financial services.
NIMC also drew attention 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 authorised identity verification services.
According to the Commission, NINAuth provides the official channel through which authorised services can integrate with NIMC’s backend infrastructure, creating an additional layer of protection while giving individuals greater control over the use of their personal information.
A key feature of the platform, NIMC explained, is the requirement for explicit consent from NIN holders before their information can be shared for Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures or other verification purposes.
The Commission said the arrangement is intended to promote transparency and user autonomy within Nigeria’s identity ecosystem, allowing individuals to verify their identities securely for services including SIM registration, immigration and passport processing, tax filings and financial transactions without unnecessarily exposing their raw NIN or other sensitive personal information.
NIMC further stated that the initiative reflects its compliance with the NIMC Act 2026 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, which provide legal and regulatory frameworks for the fair, lawful and transparent handling of personal information.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the identity information of Nigerians and legal residents, the Commission said it would continue to work with relevant government and security agencies to strengthen its systems, improve public engagement and counter misinformation surrounding the national identity ecosystem.
NIMC advised members of the public seeking clarification or wishing to raise concerns about their NIN or personal data to contact the Commission through its official channels, including its toll-free line 0800 08000616462, emails [email protected] and [email protected], as well as its verified social media platforms.
The Commission reaffirmed its identity management mandate with the assurance: “NIMC — Providing Assured Identity.”
