The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched an investigation into claims that Nigerians’ National Identification Numbers (NINs) and other personal information were exposed and offered for sale.
The commission, however, denied that its systems had been breached, describing a video circulating on social media alleging the exposure of citizens’ personal data as misleading.
Kayode Adegoke, head of corporate communications at NIMC, said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that Nigerians had no reason to panic over the claims.
‘NIMC wishes to assure Nigerians that their data is safe and secure and there is no need for panic,’ Adegoke said.
He said the commission had measures in place to protect NINs and other personal information contained in the National Identity Database.
‘Our systems are protected and the commission remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of citizens’ identity information,’ he said.
Adegoke urged Nigerians to disregard unverified information capable of creating concerns over the security of their identity information. He also advised citizens to use only approved channels for NIN verification and other identity-related services.
The commission said its Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, had directed a comprehensive investigation into the claims.
According to Coker-Odusote, the investigation will establish whether any of NIMC’s tokenisation verification agents breached their licensing agreements, either directly or through sub-licensees.
‘NIMC will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the identity information entrusted to the commission is properly protected,’ she said.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the handling and protection of personal data as digital identity and verification services become increasingly important to financial, telecommunications and other transactions in Nigeria.
NIMC said it remained committed to strengthening data protection and privacy measures and preventing unauthorised access to citizens’ identity information.