The National Identity Management Commission has denied reports that Nigerians’ National Identification Numbers and other personal data were exposed or put up for sale online.

The commission made the clarification in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, following a video circulating on social media alleging that citizens’ data had been compromised and offered for sale.

The commission said its systems remained secure and urged Nigerians to disregard unverified reports that could cause unnecessary concern over the safety of their identity information.

Adegoke said NIMC had put measures in place to safeguard NINs and other personal information stored in the National Identity Database.

NIMC said its Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the claims to determine whether any of the commission’s tokenisation verification agents breached their licensing agreements.

The investigation will also establish whether any breach occurred directly or through sub-licensees, the commission added.

Coker-Odusote reaffirmed NIMC’s commitment to safeguarding the identity information entrusted to the commission, as well as upholding data protection and privacy standards.

“NIMC will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the identity information entrusted to the commission is properly protected,” she said.

Adegoke described the claims circulating online as misleading, assuring Nigerians that there was no cause for concern over the alleged exposure of their identity information.

“Our systems are protected and the commission remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of citizens’ identity information,” he said.

He said NIMC would continue to enhance its safeguards to prevent unauthorised access to citizens’ identity information.

“NIMC takes the protection of citizens’ personal data seriously and will continue to strengthen measures against unauthorised access,” Adegoke said.

The commission also urged Nigerians to use only authorised channels for NIN verification and other identity-related services.

NIMC said it would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the protection of citizens’ identity information and uphold data privacy.