NIMC rejects viral claim that national identity database was breached

Nigeria’s National Identity Management Commission has denied claims that its National Identity Database was breached, describing an allegation in a video circulating on social media as false and unfounded. In a statement signed by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, the commission said the database had not been breached or compromised at any point. NIMC said the video repeated a story reported in 2024 that it had previously rejected.

The agency said it maintained multi-layered security measures to protect the personal information of registered citizens and legal residents. It expressed concern that unverified claims could mislead the public and cause unnecessary panic, and advised people to disregard the video. NIMC also referred to NIN Authentication, or NINAuth, a platform it described as providing web, application programming interface and mobile verification services.

According to the commission, the system requires the explicit consent of a NIN holder before information is shared for Know Your Customer procedures or other verification. The agency said the platform can support identity checks for SIM registration, immigration and passport processing, tax filings and financial transactions without unnecessarily exposing a person’s raw NIN or other personal data. It said the initiative was designed to strengthen privacy and security and was aligned with the NIMC Act, 2026, and Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.

NIMC urged people with questions about their data or NIN to use its official website, toll-free line, email addresses and verified social-media channels. It also said it would continue working with security and other relevant agencies to strengthen its systems and public engagement.