The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has firmly rebutted allegations of a data breach involving sensitive information of Nigerian citizens.
In a recent press statement, the Commission assured the public that their data remains secure and has not been compromised, despite reports suggesting otherwise.
The NIMC emphasized that it has not authorized any websites or entities to sell or misuse the National Identification Number (NIN) or any other personal identities. The Commission specifically called out several unauthorized websites, including idfinder.com.ng, verify.ng/signin, championtech.com.ng, trustyonline.com, and anyverify.com, labeling them as data harvesters operating without NIMC’s permission. The public is urged to avoid these sites and not to provide any personal data, as these sites are potentially fraudulent and misuse the data collected.
In response to the allegations, the NIMC highlighted the robust measures it has implemented to protect Nigeria’s national database from cyber threats.
The Commission’s infrastructure complies with the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard, undergoing annual recertification and adhering strictly to Nigerian Data Protection Law. These measures ensure a secure, world-class, foolproof database.
The NIMC also advised Nigerians to remain cautious and avoid sharing their data with unauthorized and phishing websites, which pose significant risks of data harvesting and potential compromise of personal information. The Commission reiterated its commitment to upholding ethical standards in data protection, in line with federal government directives and data privacy regulations.
Moreover, the NIMC clarified that licensed partners or vendors are not authorized to scan or store NIN slips; they are only permitted to verify NINs through approved channels. The Commission is actively collaborating with security operatives to identify and apprehend individuals and entities posing as online vendors, ensuring they face legal consequences.
In closing, the NIMC urged the public to remain vigilant against false information and rely on verified sources for accurate updates. The Commission remains steadfast in its mission to provide secure and reliable identity management, safeguarding the critical national assets of its systems and databases.
