The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has recently issued a statement denying any collaboration with XpressVerify, a third-party service provider.
This announcement comes in response to rumours circulating about a potential compromise of the National Identification Number (NIN) database.
The press statement, made on Sunday, was signed by Kayode Adegoke, head, of Corporate Communications at the NIMC.
“The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) received with concern news from some sections of the media pertaining to an alleged breach of citizens’ data by a private organization, XpressVerify.
“The Commission wishes to state that it offers NIN verification and other services through licensed partners. However, XpressVerify is not one of the Commission’s licensed partners.
“We express our gratitude to our media partners and the whistleblowers for bringing this to our attention and wish to assure Nigerians and legal residents that there is no data breach of any sort and the Citizens’ data is safe and secure in the Nigeria’s National identity database.
“The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker Odusote has promptly ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter to find out if any of the Commission’s Tokenisation verification agents has in any way breach the licensing agreement either directly or through any of their sub-licensees.
“Engr Coker-Odusote affirms the commitment of NIMC to data protection and privacy and assures that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring the safety and security of the data of all enrollees. ‘Top-level security is in place to protect the NIN and other personal data of every citizen and legal resident, she said.
NIMC reaffirms its unwavering dedication to safeguarding, securing, and responsibly managing the data entrusted to us. The Commission understands the critical importance of maintaining public trust and confidence in our operations, and we will continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability,” the statement read.
Geeky Nigeria reports that the NIN database is a vital repository of personal information for Nigerian citizens and residents. It serves as a unique identifier for individuals and is used for various purposes, including voter registration, financial transactions, and access to government services.
In their statement, the NIMC stated that they have not entered into any partnership or agreement with XpressVerify. They emphasised that the NIN database remains secure and uncompromised.
The NIMC’s denial of any collaboration with XpressVerify and their assurance of the uncompromised state of the NIN database should alleviate concerns among the public. The NIMC remains committed to protecting the privacy and security of the personal information stored in the NIN database.
It is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and exercise caution when sharing their NIN or any other personal information. By working together, the NIMC and the public can ensure the integrity and security of Nigeria’s national identification system.
NIMC ASSURES CITIZENS AND LEGAL RESIDENTS OF DATA SECURITY AND PROTECTION pic.twitter.com/oOnsCbsKyz
— NIMC (@nimc_ng) March 17, 2024