Nigerians should disregard a video making the rounds online that claims hackers broke into the National Identification Number (NIN) database, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) said, adding that its systems remain fully intact.
The Commission, in a statement by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, clarified that the footage recycles a debunked 2024 story and that the National Identity Database has never been compromised.
NIMC operates layered security controls to safeguard the personal information of every enrolled citizen and legal resident, consistent with international standards.
Officials expressed concern that unverified claims of this kind could mislead the public and trigger needless alarm.
The Commission asked Nigerians to ignore the video and rely solely on NIMC’s official channels for information about the identity system.
NIMC also highlighted its newly launched NIN Authentication (NINAuth) platform, a set of web, API, and mobile verification tools built to strengthen data protection, safeguard privacy, and streamline access to government services.
The platform now serves as the Commission’s official gateway into its backend systems, giving citizens greater oversight of how their personal data is used.
Under NINAuth, no data can be shared for Know Your Customer checks or other verification purposes without the explicit consent of the NIN holder, a safeguard meant to strengthen transparency and give users more control.
The platform allows individuals to confirm their identity for services including SIM registration, immigration and passport processing, tax filing, and financial transactions, without needlessly exposing their raw NIN or other personal details.
The initiative aligns with the newly passed NIMC Act, 2026, and the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023, both of which require that citizens’ personal data be handled fairly, lawfully, and transparently.
NIMC reaffirmed its pledge to protect the identity data of every Nigerian and legal resident under these two laws, and said it would keep working with security and other relevant agencies to reinforce its systems and counter misinformation through public engagement.
Anyone with questions about their data or NIN can reach NIMC through its official website, toll free line 0800 08000616462, email at ieu@nimc.gov.ng or actu@nimc.gov.ng, or its verified social media accounts.
