By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
A viral video claiming that Nigeria’s National Identification Number (NIN) database has been breached is recycled content from 2024 that had previously been disclaimed, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has said.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, and posted on the Commission’s X handle on Thursday, 24 September, 2026. NIMC described the circulating claim as “false and unfounded,” insisting that its National Identity Database (NIDB) has not been breached or compromised at any point.
“The Commission National Identity Database (NIDB) has not been breached or compromised at any point,” the statement read.
The Commission explained that it maintains a “robust, multi-layered security infrastructure” to protect the personal data of registered citizens and legal residents, in line with international best practices, while expressing concern that the unverified claims circulating online could mislead the public and cause unnecessary panic.
“NIMC urges the public to disregard the video’s content and obtain information about the National Identity Management System only from NIMC’s official channels,” the statement read.
Beyond addressing the breach claims, NIMC used the statement to highlight its recently launched NIN Authentication (NINAuth) service, described as a suite of web, API and mobile verification tools designed to strengthen data security and privacy.
According to the Commission, NINAuth requires the explicit consent of the NIN holder before data is shared for Know Your Customer (KYC) processes or other verification purposes.
“With NINAuth, individuals can securely verify their identity for services such as SIM registration, immigration and passport processing, tax filings, and financial transactions, without unnecessarily exposing their raw NIN or personal data,” the Commission said.
NIMC explained that the initiative forms part of its efforts to comply with the NIMC Act 2026 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, both of which provide for the fair, lawful and transparent handling of personal data.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to protecting the identity information of Nigerians and legal residents, disclosing that it would continue working with relevant security agencies to strengthen its systems and public engagement against misinformation.
