The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has officially denied that Nigeria's National Identification Number (NIN) database was breached, dismissing viral social media reports as false. In a statement issued on Thursday, September 24, NIMC's Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, clarified that the video circulating online is not new but a recycled clip from 2024, which the commission had already addressed and disclaimed at that time.
NIMC Debunks Viral NIN Data Breach Claims
The commission emphasized that the National Identity Database (NIDB) has not been breached or compromised at any point. NIMC operates a multi-layered security infrastructure designed to meet international standards, ensuring the protection of personal data for registered citizens and legal residents across Nigeria.
NIMC expressed concern that unverified claims could create unnecessary panic among the public, many of whom depend on the NIN system for essential services. The statement urged the public to disregard the video's content and rely solely on NIMC's official channels for information about the National Identity Management System.
NIMC Highlights NINAuth as Security Upgrade
Beyond the denial, NIMC drew attention to its recently launched NINAuth platform—a suite of web, mobile, and API-based verification tools designed to improve how identity data is accessed and shared. Under NINAuth, a NIN holder must give explicit consent before any personal data is released for Know Your Customer (KYC) processes or other verification purposes.
This means individuals can verify their identity for services such as SIM registration, passport processing, immigration checks, tax filings, and financial transactions without exposing their raw NIN or personal details unnecessarily. NIMC stated that NINAuth aligns with its broader efforts to comply with the NIMC Act 2026 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, both of which mandate fair, lawful, and transparent handling of personal data.
Collaboration with Security Agencies
NIMC confirmed it will continue working with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other relevant security agencies to strengthen its systems and counter the spread of misinformation about the national identity database. The commission reiterated its commitment to safeguarding citizen data and maintaining public trust.
In related news, NIMC previously disclosed that 127 million Nigerians were enrolled in the NIN database as of December 2025, with Lagos state leading nationwide enrolment at over 13 million registered residents. The enrolment figures showed near-equal distribution between northern and southern Nigeria, reflecting the program's broad reach.
