The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that Nigeria’s National Identification Number database has been breached.

In a statement issued by its Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Kayode Adegoke, the commission described the claim as false and unfounded, saying the video being circulated was a recycled report from 2024 that had previously been disclaimed.

NIMC said its National Identity Database had not been breached or compromised at any point.

The commission said it maintained multi-layered security infrastructure to protect the personal information of registered citizens and legal residents in line with international practices.

It urged the public to disregard the circulating video and obtain information about the National Identity Management System only through its official channels.

NIMC also highlighted its recently launched NIN Authentication (NINAuth), a web, API and mobile verification service designed to strengthen data security and privacy.

According to the commission, NINAuth requires the explicit consent of NIN holders before their information is shared for Know Your Customer processes and other verification purposes.

It said the service 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 data.

The commission said the initiative was part of its efforts to comply with the NIMC Act 2026 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, while reiterating its commitment to protecting the identity information of Nigerians and legal residents.