By Nkechi Eze
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has assured Nigerians that the National Identity Database (NIDB) remains secure, dismissing a viral social media video alleging that the database had been breached.
The Commission, in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, said the claim was false and linked to a 2024 report which it had previously disclaimed.
NIMC urged Nigerians and legal residents not to be misled by the circulating video, advising them to rely on its official communication channels for accurate information concerning the national identity system.
The Commission said it had deployed multi-layered security infrastructure to protect the personal information of registered citizens and legal residents, in line with international best practices.
It warned that the circulation of unverified claims about the NIDB could cause unnecessary panic and confusion, particularly given the sensitive nature of national identity data.
NIMC also pointed to its NIN Authentication (NINAuth) platform as part of measures to strengthen data protection and secure identity verification.
According to the Commission, NINAuth provides web, API and mobile-based verification services while requiring the explicit consent of NIN holders before their information can be shared for Know Your Customer (KYC) and other verification processes.
The platform, it said, enables individuals to authenticate 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 system was consistent with the NIMC Act 2026 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, which provide for the lawful, fair and transparent processing of personal data.
The Commission added that it would continue to work with security agencies and other relevant institutions to strengthen the national identity infrastructure and tackle misinformation relating to the database.
It advised members of the public with concerns about their NIN or personal data to contact the Commission through its official communication channels, including its toll-free line and designated email addresses.
