NIMC denies NIN data breach claims, orders investigation

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has dismissed allegations that Nigerians' National Identification Numbers (NINs) and personal data were compromised, following a viral video on social media. NIMC's Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, stated in Abuja on Wednesday that the commission's systems remain secure and urged people to disregard unverified information that could instill fear.

NIMC's Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has initiated a thorough investigation into the claims to ascertain whether any tokenisation verification agents violated their licensing agreements. This investigation will also determine if the breaches occurred directly or through sub-licensees. Coker-Odusote emphasized NIMC's commitment to safeguarding identity information and data privacy.

The circulating claims on social media were described as misleading, and NIMC assured Nigerians that there was no need for panic. The commission recommended that citizens only utilize approved channels for NIN verification and other identity-related services. NIMC has previously faced security concerns regarding Nigerians' identity data, leading to restrictions on licensed agents' access to the NIN database while the investigation proceeds.

The issue is especially pertinent as NIMC's role in Nigeria's digital identity infrastructure has expanded, with the signing of the NIMC Act 2026 by President Bola Tinubu in June 2026. This new legislation expands the commission's powers over Nigeria's digital identity infrastructure while retaining the NIN as the foundational identity credential and providing for enhanced protections for personal data.