The National Identity Management Commission, NIMC has reiterated its commitment to data protection and digital privacy for all Nigerians even as it scales up its nationwide NIN enrollment drive.
Speaking at the 2025 Management Retreat held in Lagos, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote disclosed that the Commission is intensifying public education on data safety and has introduced new tools to empower Nigerians to control their personal information.
“We are working closely with the Federal Ministry of Information and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to ensure citizens are aware of their data rights — especially at the community level, in local languages,” she said.
Coker-Odusote noted that at the centre of NIMC’s data privacy push is the “NINAUTH” mobile app, which is a recently developed digital tool that allows individuals to manage access to their data.
According to her, the app requires biometric authentication, making it impossible for unauthorized users to access it even if a phone is stolen.
“You must be able to authenticate that you are who you say you are,” she explained. “Even if someone takes your phone, they cannot impersonate you using the app.”
The DG/CEO also confirmed that its enabling laws have been updated to reflect global data governance standards. “We’ve amended the NIMC Act to align with the Nigeria Data Protection Act of 2023 and the Cybersecurity Act of 2015.
This, she said reinforces NIMC’s commitment to safeguarding the information of Nigerians at every touchpoint.
Blacktalker who was present at the 4-day management retreat with the theme: “Leading with Purpose: Digital Transformation in Identity Management.” reports that digital identity has become central to Nigeria’s economic and social transformation, NIMC confirms that privacy, transparency and citizen control over personal data will remain its top priorities.