The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has denied claims that Nigeria’s National Identification Number database was breached, describing a viral social media video alleging the sale of NIN and Bank Verification Number details as false and unfounded.
NIMC said the video currently circulating online is a recycled report from 2024 which the commission had previously dismissed.
In a statement issued by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, on Thursday, the commission said its National Identity Database (NIDB) had not been breached or compromised.
NIMC said it operates a multi-layered security infrastructure designed to protect the personal information of registered citizens and legal residents.
The viral video reportedly claimed that Nigerians could purchase NIN and BVN information for as little as ₦100. It also alleged that NIMC officials in Lagos were selling individuals’ identity information for about ₦1,000 outside the commission’s office.
NIMC rejected the claims and urged Nigerians to disregard the video, warning that unverified information could cause unnecessary panic.
The commission advised members of the public to obtain information about the National Identity Management System through its official communication channels.
NIMC highlights new NIN verification system
The commission also drew attention to its recently launched NIN Authentication (NINAuth) platform, which provides web, mobile and API-based identity verification services.
According to NIMC, the system requires the explicit consent of a NIN holder before their information can be shared for Know Your Customer (KYC) processes and other verification purposes.
The commission said NINAuth allows individuals to verify their identities for services including SIM registration, immigration and passport processing, tax filings and financial transactions without unnecessarily exposing their raw NIN or other personal information.
NIMC said the platform forms part of its efforts to comply with the NIMC Act 2026 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, which provide requirements for the lawful and transparent handling of personal data.
Investigative report raises separate concerns
While NIMC maintains that its central database has not been compromised, an investigation by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism has raised separate concerns about access to Nigerians’ identity information through third-party verification channels.
FIJ reported that it was able to obtain identity information associated with telephone numbers publicly linked to NIMC and a Presidency office through an identity-data marketplace.
The publication said its findings relate to possible misuse of authorised third-party access rather than evidence that NIMC’s central database itself had been hacked.
NIMC has previously said it was investigating whether some licensed verification agents or their sub-licensees had breached the conditions governing access to identity data.
The distinction is significant: NIMC’s denial addresses whether its National Identity Database has been breached, while the separate investigations concern how identity information may be accessed or obtained through authorised third-party verification channels.
For now, NIMC continues to maintain that its national identity database has not been compromised and is urging Nigerians to rely on verified information from its official channels.
