NIMC Introduces Rigorous Security Vetting for Identity Verification Partners

The National Identity Management Commission NIMC introduces rigorous security vetting for identity verification partners in the fight against identity theft and the unauthorized use of citizens’ information. In its recent publication, the commission reported that all approved verification agents, front-end partners, and diaspora partners will be vetted to ensure they meet all security requirements.

Such a measure is consistent with the NIMC’s resolve of adopting friendly policies in the provision of secure identity services and also complies with the best practices of identity management worldwide. Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General of NIMC said that the l screening procedure is to guarantee absolute compliance with the regulations. 

It also attempts to diminish insider attacks and maintain the security of the National Identity Database. The commission has been unambiguous, stating that partners who were found violating these new security measures will be subjected to secondary sanctions as already provided by law.

In a bold step to stop identity theft, the NIMC has also given authority to security agents to act against people suspected to be indulging in impersonation targeting personal details of residents over the internet. The message is unmistakable: NIMC and its authorities do all to achieve the highest security standards and protect the identity of every citizen.

These new measures show NIMC’s resolve to remain worldwide best practice compliant for identity management. Licensed Verification Agents, Front End Partners and Diaspora FEPs will be fully vetted. The commission guarantees that any such FEPs who breach these rules will be prosecuted under the law of the country.

NIMC Gives an Insight About the Cybercrime and Offers New Security Solutions

NIMC has advised the general public to beware of the increasing number of online platforms that fraudulently claim to be Nigerians in order to change or seek enrollment of their National Identification Number (NIN) using information from these platforms. 

As concerns regarding these policies continued to emanate, the commission has decided to suspend the achievement of bypass enrollment in order to avoid further abuses and fix the faults. A significant breach took place in March when it was discovered that the unlimited access xpressverify.com had to the NIMC database constituted a major security breach.

The NIN buyers would sell their pictures, addresses, full names, mobile numbers and NIN as low as 200 naira (US$0.13) which caused mass promotion of the site. This website was a major data breach which led the Nigeria Data Protection Commission and other regulators to ask for an instant cancellation of the domain of this site while an explanation of the incident was also required.

By instituting a data protection legislation in 2023, Nigeria has made great strides as far as data protection is concerned. The bill was passed after a long wait and is crucial in safeguarding personal information within the digital space. 

Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Director General of the NIMC recently had an audience with the Senate Committee on National Identity and Population in an effort to try and explore these factors. The aim of the meeting was to find solutions on how to engage a larger number of Nigerians to take up the national digital ID campaign. 

Mr Engr Coker-Odusote highlighted the challenges facing the initiative and urged members to proffer solutions on how the initiative can be expanded to meet the needs of many more Nigerians requiring identity management services that are safe and secure. 

Still, the NIMC is confident about the enhancement of its safety standards, as well as any regulatory bodies on the prevention of data theft and abuse. These measures are key to supporting Nigeria’s national identification and database system, as well as confidence in Nigeria’s electronic identity systems.