By Stanley Iwuoha
Amid wide speculations that some unauthorised infilteration happened on the data of some of Nigerians recently, the database custodians, National Identity Management Commission has insisted it’s a lie as its database still remains intact.
The Commission’s assurance is coming as response to report from some sections of the media concerning an alleged breach of citizens’ data by a private organization, XpressVerify.
The Çommission says it offers NIN verification and other services through licensed partners and had never licensed XpressVerify as one of its licensed partners.
“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.
“We have 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.
“NIMC is committed 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,” said the Commission.
It however, reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to safeguarding, securing, and responsibly managing the data entrusted to it and affirmed that it 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.
