The National Identity Management Commission, NIMC has dismissed a viral social media video alleging a breach of the National Identification Number, NIN database, saying the claim is false and relates to a report from 2024 that the Commission had previously disclaimed.
NIMC, in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, said the National Identity Database (NIDB) had not been breached or compromised, urging Nigerians and legal residents to disregard the circulating video and rely on the Commission’s official channels for information on the national identity system.
The Commission said it maintains multi-layered security infrastructure to protect the personal data of registered citizens and legal residents, in line with international best practices.
It expressed concern that the circulation of unverified claims could mislead the public and create unnecessary panic, particularly given the sensitivity of national identity information.
NIMC also pointed to its recently launched NIN Authentication, NINAuth platform as part of its efforts to strengthen the security and privacy of identity verification.
The Commission described NINAuth as a web, API and mobile verification platform that provides an official channel for integrating with its backend infrastructure. It said the system requires the explicit consent of NIN holders before their data can be shared for Know Your Customer (KYC) and other verification processes.
According to NIMC, the platform enables individuals to verify their identities for services including SIM registration, immigration and passport processing, tax filings and financial transactions without unnecessarily exposing their raw NIN or other personal information.
The Commission said the approach was consistent with the NIMC Act 2026 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, which require personal data to be handled fairly, lawfully and transparently.
NIMC said it would continue working with security agencies and other relevant institutions to strengthen its systems and public engagement, particularly in countering misinformation concerning the national identity database.
Members of the public with questions or concerns about their NIN or personal data were advised to contact NIMC through its official communication channels, including its toll-free line and designated email addresses.