The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has dismissed viral claims alleging that the National Identification Number (NIN) database has been breached, describing the circulating video as false and unfounded.
The Commission, in a statement issued by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, on Tuesday, said the video was a recycled report originally circulated in 2024 and subsequently debunked by NIMC.
NIMC stressed that its National Identity Database (NIDB) had not been breached or compromised at any time, assuring Nigerians and legal residents that robust, multi-layered security infrastructure had been deployed to safeguard their personal information in line with international best practices.
The Commission expressed concern over the circulation of unverified claims, noting that such information could mislead members of the public and create unnecessary panic.
It therefore urged Nigerians to disregard the content of the video and rely on NIMC’s official communication channels for accurate information concerning the National Identity Management System.
NIMC also highlighted 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 services.
According to the Commission, NINAuth provides an official channel for integrating with NIMC’s backend infrastructure while giving individuals greater control over how their personal information is shared.
The platform requires the explicit consent of NIN holders before their data can be shared for Know Your Customer (KYC) processes or other verification purposes, reinforcing transparency and user autonomy within the identity ecosystem.
With NINAuth, individuals can verify their identities for services including SIM registration, immigration and passport processing, tax filings and financial transactions without unnecessarily exposing their raw NIN or other personal information.
The Commission said the initiative reflects its compliance with the NIMC Act, 2026 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023, which provide for the fair, lawful and transparent handling of citizens’ personal data.
NIMC reiterated its commitment to protecting the identity information of Nigerians and legal residents, adding that it would continue to work with security agencies and other relevant institutions to strengthen its systems and public engagement while combating misinformation.
It encouraged members of the public with concerns about their data or NIN to contact the Commission through its official channels, including its toll-free line, 0800 08000616462, and email addresses [email protected] and [email protected].
