The National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, has reacted to reports alleging that Nigeria’s National Identification Number, NIN, database had been breached.
In a statement via X on Thursday, the commission described the reports as false and misleading, noting that the claims had been recycled from a report published in 2024.
A viral video had claimed that NIN and Bank Verification Number, BVN, details could be purchased for as little as N100.
According to the video, NIMC officials in Lagos were selling individuals’ NIN information for N1,000 outside the commission’s office.
Reacting, NIMC said, “The Commission wishes to state, categorically, that this claim is false and unfounded. The Commission National Identity Database, NIDB, has not been breached or compromised at any point.”
NIMC stressed that it maintains robust, multi-layered security infrastructure to protect the personal data of registered citizens and legal residents in line with international best practices.
“The Commission views the circulation of such unverified claims with concern, given their capacity to mislead the public and cause unnecessary panic,” the statement added.