The National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, has dismissed reports alleging that Nigeria’s National Identification Number, NIN, database has been breached.
The commission described the claims as “false and unfounded”, insisting that the National Identity Database, NIDB, has neither been breached nor compromised.
The denial follows the circulation of a video on social media claiming that NIN and Bank Verification Number, BVN, details could be purchased for as little as 100 naira.
The video also alleged that some NIMC officials in Lagos were selling individuals’ NIN information for 1,000 naira outside the commission’s office.
In a statement issued on Thursday via X, NIMC said the claims were recycled from a 2024 report that had previously been debunked.
The commission said it maintains a “robust, multi-layered security infrastructure” to protect the personal data of registered citizens and legal residents, in line with international best practices.
NIMC expressed concern over the circulation of what it described as unverified claims, warning that such reports could mislead the public and create unnecessary panic.
It urged Nigerians to disregard the video and rely only on the commission’s official channels for information concerning the National Identity Management System.
NIMC also highlighted its recently launched NIN Authentication, NINAuth, a web, application programming interface, API, and mobile verification service designed to strengthen data security and privacy.
According to the commission, NINAuth requires the explicit consent of NIN holders before their information can be shared for Know Your Customer, KYC, processes or other verification purposes.
“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,” the commission said.
NIMC said the initiative forms part of its compliance with the NIMC Act 2026 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, which provide for the fair, lawful and transparent handling of citizens’ personal data.
The commission said it would continue to work with security agencies and other relevant institutions to strengthen its systems and combat the spread of misinformation.
It advised Nigerians who have concerns about their NIN or personal data to contact the commission through its official channels.
