The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has rejected reports that Nigeria’s National Identification Number (NIN) database was breached, describing a circulating social media video as false and previously debunked.
In a statement issued on its official X account on Thursday, the commission said the National Identity Database (NIDB) “has not been breached or compromised at any point.” It insisted the claims were unfounded and had been recycled from a 2024 report that NIMC had already dismissed.
The video alleged that NIN and Bank Verification Number (BVN) details could be bought for as little as N100, and that NIMC officials in Lagos were selling individuals’ NIN information for N1,000 outside the commission’s office.
NIMC said it maintains “robust, multi-layered security infrastructure” to protect the personal data of registered citizens and legal residents in line with international best practices. It expressed concern that unverified claims could mislead the public and cause unnecessary panic, and urged people to disregard the video and rely only on official NIMC channels for information.
The commission also pointed to its recently launched NIN Authentication (NINAuth) service available via web, API and mobile as part of efforts to strengthen data security and privacy. NINAuth requires the explicit consent of NIN holders before their data is shared for Know Your Customer processes or other verification.
According to NIMC, the system allows individuals to verify their identity for services such as SIM registration, immigration and passport processing, tax filings and financial transactions without exposing their raw NIN or personal data.
NIMC said the initiative aligns with the NIMC Act, 2026, and the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023, which require the fair, lawful and transparent handling of personal data. It pledged to continue working with security agencies and other institutions to fortify its systems and combat misinformation.
Anyone with concerns about their NIN or personal data was advised to contact the commission through its official channels.
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