NIMC Restricts Licensed Agents’ Access to NIN Database Following Data Breach

Following a data breach at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the agency has restricted its licensed agents’ access to the National Identification Number (NIN) database.

This decision comes after an investigation by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) uncovered potential issues with the management of personal data.

The NDPC’s ongoing investigation seeks to establish the medium through which expressverify.com obtained the credentials of third parties and to determine the liability of persons involved in line with relevant laws.

Data processing by licensees will now be scrutinized, and only those that can provide evidence of regulatory compliance will be allowed to conduct NIN verification going forward.

NIMC has temporarily barred all access to its database, affecting genuine verification requests.

However, limited access has been granted to a few establishments providing essential public services such as education and security.

The NDPC emphasizes the importance of citizens protecting their personal data and ensuring they are not left unidentified in various development frameworks.

It also calls on members of the public to view the National Identification Number as vital data for sustainable development.

As existing technical and organizational measures are strengthened to safeguard this data, it is crucial for everyone to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions to protect their personal information.