NIMC Breaks Silence On Viral NIN Hack Video, Reveals Truth About Database Security

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has urged Nigerians to disregard a viral video claiming that the National Identification Number database has been hacked.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the commission said the video making the rounds on social media was an old report from 2024 that had already been debunked and did not represent a recent breach of the National Identity Database.

NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, said the commission had no record of any compromise of the National Identity Database, stressing that the system had not been breached at any time.

The commission said the database is protected by a multi-layered security infrastructure designed to safeguard the personal information of Nigerians and legal residents registered under the national identity management system.

NIMC said its security measures are maintained in line with international best practices and urged members of the public to rely on the commission’s official communication channels for information concerning the National Identity Management System.

The commission also expressed concern about the circulation of unverified information, warning that misleading claims about the national identity database could create unnecessary panic among Nigerians.

As part of its efforts to strengthen data security, NIMC also highlighted its recently introduced NIN Authentication, known as NINAuth, which provides web, application programming interface and mobile verification services.

According to the commission, the platform is designed to give NIN holders greater control over the use of their personal information by requiring their consent before their data is shared for Know Your Customer procedures and other identity verification services.

NIMC said NINAuth would allow individuals to verify their identities for services including SIM registration, immigration and passport processing, tax-related services and financial transactions without unnecessarily exposing their raw NIN or other sensitive personal information.

The commission said the new authentication framework is intended to strengthen privacy and improve the security of identity verification processes.

NIMC added that the initiative aligns with provisions of the NIMC Act 2026 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, which establish requirements for the lawful, transparent and responsible handling of personal data.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the identity information of Nigerians and legal residents and said it would continue working with relevant security agencies to strengthen its systems and improve public awareness.

NIMC further urged Nigerians to verify claims concerning the national identity system through its official channels and avoid sharing unverified reports that could mislead the public.