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The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that Nigeria’s National Identification Number (NIN) database has been breached.
In a statement issued by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, and posted on the commission’s X ( formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, NIMC described the reports as false and said the video being circulated was a recycled report from 2024 that had already been discredited.
NIMC debunks viral claims of data breach, reaffirms commitment to citizens data security pic.twitter.com/OjWnBYyoz0
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— NIMC (@nimc_ng) September 24, 2026
The commission said the National Identity Database had not been breached or compromised at any time.
“The Commission National Identity Database (NIDB) has not been breached or compromised at any point,” it said.
NIMC also said it operates a multi-layered security system to protect the personal information of registered Nigerians and legal residents in line with international standards.
It expressed concern over the spread of unverified information, warning that such reports could mislead the public and create unnecessary panic.
The commission urged the public to disregard the video and rely on NIMC’s official channels for information concerning the National Identity Management System.
NIMC also highlighted its NIN Authentication service, NINAuth, which provides web, API and mobile-based identity verification services designed to improve data security and privacy.
According to the commission, the system requires the explicit consent of NIN holders before their information is shared for Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures and other verification purposes.
NIMC 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 NIN or other personal information.
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“With NINAuth, individuals can securely verify their identity for services such as SIM registration, immigration and passport processing, tax filings, and financial transactions—without unnecessarily exposing their raw NIN or personal data,” the Commission said.
The commission said the initiative forms part of efforts to comply with the NIMC Act 2026 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, which require personal data to be handled fairly, lawfully and transparently.
NIMC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the identity information of Nigerians and legal residents and said it would continue working with relevant security agencies to strengthen its systems and public engagement against misinformation.
