ICYMI: NIMC debunks viral claims of NIN data breach

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ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has dismissed as false claims circulating on social media alleging that the National Identification Number (NIN) database had been breached.

In a statement signed by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke (PhD), on Sept. 23, 2026, the commission described the claim as unfounded and a recycled report dating back to 2024.

NIMC said the National Identity Database (NIDB) had not been breached or compromised and reaffirmed that it maintains a multi-layered security architecture to protect citizens’ identity information.

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The commission also highlighted the recent launch of NIN Authentication (NINAuth), a service designed to enable secure identity verification for government and private-sector services.

According to NIMC, NINAuth requires the explicit consent of the NIN holder before verification can take place. It added that the commission does not store or share citizens’ financial or transaction data through the service.

NIMC said its data protection practices comply with the NIMC Act, 2026 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023, which provide for the fair, lawful and transparent handling of citizens’ personal data.

The commission said it would continue to work with relevant security agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen its systems and public engagement efforts aimed at combating misinformation.

NIMC urged members of the public to disregard the viral claims and obtain information about the National Identity Database and NIN services only through its official channels.

It said members of the public with questions or concerns about their data could contact the commission through its official website.