The National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, has ordered a full-scale investigation of alleged unauthorized access to the personal data of enrollees in the database of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
The development was contained in a statement Signed by NDPC’s Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations,Babatunde Bamigboye, Esq on Sunday in Abuja.
According to the commission,”this investigation is a further regulatory measure to be taken by NDPC in the wake of public concerns over reports of illegal access to personal data of enrollees by a shadowy entity called XpressVerify.com.
“It will be recalled that prior to now, NDPC has been engaging with NIMC on fostering adequacy of data protection,”.
The statement further stated that ,”We note that NIMC has initiated internal investigation and it has immediately given full assurances of cooperation with NDPC to get to the root of the allegation and to review existing mediums through which any entity may lawfully verify the identity of enrollees on its platform.
“Furthermore, NDPC will work with relevant agencies to audit the trails of the alleged unauthorized data processing and monetization of same, and those who are found culpable for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 will be brought to justice.
“The National Commissioner further directed that preliminary findings of the investigation should be made public within seven days,”.
