FG probes data breach

The federal government has ordered an investigation into alleged breach of National Identity Number (NIN) data of Nigerians, even as it assured of citizens’ data security.

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), which disclosed this in a statement on Sunday said it received with concern news from some sections of the media pertaining to an alleged breach of citizens’ data by a private organisation, 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”, the statement signed by NIMC spokesman, Kayode Adegoke, said.

The commission, he said, assured Nigerians and legal residents that there is no data of breach of any sort and the citizens’ data is safe and secure in Nigeria’s National identity database.

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The statement quoted 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”, according to the statement.

‘’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 statement said the Commission understands the critical importance of maintaining public trust and confidence in its operations, “And we will continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability.”