The House of Representatives has urged the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and other relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate the allegations of data breach so as bring the perpetrators to justice.
In a statement on Sunday by the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Akin Rotimi, the House said, the websites described by
the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) as data harvesters, have no authorisation to access or manage sensitive data.
It further stated that the licensed partners or vendors are only authorised to verify NINs through approved channels and are not permitted to scan or store NIN slips.
The House acknowledged the NIMC’s assurance that robust measures are in place to safeguard the country’s database from cyber threats, including a secure & world-class database, and also working with security operatives to apprehend those masquerading as online vendors to face the full wrath of the law.
The House is deeply concerned and viewed this disturbing pattern of scam messages and phishing activities as the handiwork of individuals with agenda that seek to cause distractions and undermine ongoing reforms within NIMC.
Thus, the Chairman of the House Committee on Population, Rep. (Prince) Jimi Odimayo expressed the House’s full support for NIMC’s efforts to protect the integrity of the National Identification Number (NIN) system and other sensitive data.
“We recognise the importance of robust data security measures as a cornerstone of our national security,” stated Rep Odimayo. “The House stands firmly with NIMC in addressing these pressing issues and ensuring that our citizens’ data is protected from malicious actors,” he added.
The statement said, “the House urges the Office of the National Security Adviser and other relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate these incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice”.
It said, “in line with our Legislative Agenda, we reaffirm commitment to collaboration with relevant stakeholders to improve national security.
“We’ll continue to support NIMC in its mission to uphold the highest standards of data security & privacy for our dear constituents & all Nigerians”, the statement said.
