Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has categorically denied allegations of a data breach. In an exclusive interview with ARISE NEWS, Adegoke emphasized that the NIMC’s database remains impervious to breaches.
The controversy arose after Paradigm Initiative, a pan-African social enterprise, reported the sale of National Identification Numbers (NINs), Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), and other personal data of Nigerians on a certain website for as low as N100. However, Adegoke refuted these claims, asserting that NIMC’s security measures are robust and foolproof.
“What Paradigm Initiative has been saying is a false narrative,” Adegoke stated. “Our database is secure. NIMC has never been breached.” He further explained that even if an NIN slip were stolen, unauthorized access to government services would be impossible without biometric verification, including fingerprints and iris scans.
Lanre Yusuf, NIMC’s IT/IDD Director, echoed Adegoke’s sentiments. While acknowledging the role of licensed verification agents, Yusuf condemned the illicit trade of data, likening it to a “market square.” He assured the public that NIN slips cannot be purchased online.
Additionally, Yusuf addressed concerns about a circulating fake NIMC website, clarifying that it is indeed fraudulent.
“The Commission, at this moment, assures the public that the data of Nigerians have not been compromised and the Commission has not authorized any website or entity to sell or misuse the National Identification Number (NIN) amongst all the identities stated in the report.
The following websites: idfinder.com.ng; Verify. Ng/sign in, championtech.com.ng.trustyonline.com and anyverify.com are data harvesters not authorized by NIMC to access or manage sensitive data. NIMC urges the public to disregard any claims or services these websites offer and should not give their data as they are potentially fraudulent and data provided by the public on such websites are gathered and stored to build the data services they illegally provide.
Consequently, the public should know that the Commission has taken robust measures to safeguard the nation’s database from cyber threats- a secure, world-class, full-proof database is in place. The Commission’s infrastructure meets the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard, with annual recertification and strict
compliance with the Nigerian Data Protection Law.”
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