The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has dismissed reports alleging that its National Identity Database (NIDB) was compromised, describing the claim circulating on social media as false and misleading.
The commission said the viral video making the allegation was a recycled report from 2024, which it had previously debunked.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, NIMC said there had been no breach of its database and assured Nigerians and legal residents that their identity information remained protected by its security systems.
According to the commission, its database is secured by a multi-layered infrastructure designed in line with international standards to safeguard the personal information of registered individuals.
NIMC expressed concern over the circulation of unverified information, warning that such claims could mislead the public and create unnecessary panic.
It urged Nigerians to rely on the commission’s official communication channels for accurate information concerning the National Identity Management System.
The agency also highlighted its recently introduced NIN Authentication platform, NINAuth, which it described as a secure system for identity verification through web, API and mobile services.
NIMC said the platform enables individuals to authorise the use of their identity information for Know Your Customer processes and other verification services, thereby strengthening privacy and giving NIN holders greater control over their personal data.
It added that NINAuth can be used for services including SIM registration, immigration and passport processing, tax-related transactions and financial services without unnecessarily exposing individuals’ raw NIN or other personal information.
The commission said the initiative is part of its efforts to comply with the NIMC Act 2026 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, which provide safeguards for the lawful, transparent and responsible handling of personal data.
NIMC further assured the public that it would continue to work with relevant security and government agencies to strengthen its systems and counter misinformation concerning the national identity infrastructure.
It advised anyone seeking clarification about their NIN or personal data to contact the commission through its official channels.
