The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has debunked viral claims alleging that the National Identification Number (NIN) database has been breached, describing the claim as false and unfounded.
The Commission, in a statement, said it had become aware of a video circulating on social media alleging a breach of the NIN database, stressing that the National Identity Database (NIDB) had not been compromised.
“The Commission wishes to state, categorically, that this claim is false and unfounded,” NIMC said.
The Commission explained that the video making the rounds on social media was not a new development, but a recycled report that had originally surfaced in 2024 and was subsequently disclaimed by NIMC.
“This is a recycled news story reported in 2024 and duly disclaimed by the Commission,” it said.
NIMC assured Nigerians that the National Identity Database remained secure, saying it operates a robust, multilayered security infrastructure to safeguard the personal information of registered citizens and legal residents.
“The Commission’s National Identity Database (NIDB) has not been breached or compromised at any point,” the Commission stated.
“NIMC maintains robust, multilayered security infrastructure to protect the personal data of every registered citizen and legal resident, in line with international best practice,” it added.
The Commission said it was concerned about the continued circulation of unverified claims, noting that such information could mislead members of the public and create unnecessary panic.
“The Commission views the circulation of such unverified claims with concern, given their capacity to mislead the public and cause unnecessary panic,” NIMC said.
It urged Nigerians to disregard the content of the viral video and obtain information concerning the National Identity Management System only through NIMC’s official communication channels.
The Commission also highlighted the recent launch of NIN Authentication, known as NINAuth, which it described as a suite of web, API and mobile verification services developed to strengthen data security and protect citizens’ privacy.
“NIN Authentication (NINAuth) is a cutting-edge suite of services spanning web, API, and mobile verification, designed to enhance data security, protect privacy, and simplify access to government services,” the Commission said.
According to NIMC, NINAuth serves as the Commission’s official channel for integrating with its backend infrastructure while providing an additional layer of protection for personal information.
The Commission said the platform would also give individuals greater control over how their information is shared within the identity ecosystem.
“NINAuth requires explicit consent from the NIN holder before sharing data for Know Your Customer (KYC) processes or other verification,” it said.
NIMC said the consent requirement was intended to reinforce transparency and give users greater control over the use of their identity information.
“This reinforces transparency and user autonomy across the identity ecosystem,” the Commission stated.
It added that NINAuth would enable individuals to securely verify their identities for several services, including SIM registration, immigration and passport processing, tax filings and financial transactions.
“With NINAuth, individuals can securely verify their identity for services such as SIM registration, immigration and passport processing, tax filings, and financial transactions without unnecessarily exposing their raw NIN or personal data,” NIMC said.
The Commission therefore urged Nigerians to remain cautious about unverified information concerning the national identity system and rely on its official channels for accurate updates.
NIMC reiterated that the NIDB remained secure and that measures were in place to protect the personal data of Nigerians and legal residents.