The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is increasing its efforts to protect citizens’ data and prevent identity fraud. In a recent release, the commission stated that all licensed verification agents, front-end partners, and diaspora partners will go through rigorous security screening.
This action is part of NIMC’s continued efforts to provide secure identity services while adhering to global identity management best practices. Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director-General of NIMC, stated that the screening procedure is designed to assure complete compliance with regulatory standards.
It also aims to reduce insider threats and prevent unauthorized access to the National Identity Database. The commission has taken a hard stance, warning that any partners found abusing these new security protocols will face hefty consequences under established legislation.
In a daring move to prevent identity fraud, the NIMC has also empowered law enforcement officials to take down on those engaging in internet phishing scams that target residents’ personal information. The message is clear: NIMC is committed to upholding the greatest security standards and preserving each citizen’s identity.
These new measures demonstrate NIMC’s commitment to maintaining worldwide best practices in identity management. Licensed Verification Agents, Front End Partners, and Diaspora Front-End Partners (FEPs) will all undergo stringent security checks. The commission assures that any FEPs that violate these protocols would face severe sanctions under national laws.
NIMC Addresses Fraudulent Online Platforms and Enhances Data Security Measures
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has warned the public about an increase in the number of fraudulent online platforms that request personal information from Nigerians in order to modify or enroll in their National Identification Number (NIN).
In reaction to these worrying accusations, the commission has temporarily halted the bypass enrollment process to avoid further exploitation and correct any errors. A big breach occurred in March, when the website XpressVerify.com was found to have uncontrolled access to the NIMC database.
The site was illegally selling digital identity numbers (NINs), full names, phone numbers, addresses, and photos for as cheap as 200 naira (US$0.13) each. This major breach caused regulatory authorities, including the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, to immediately suspend the website’s domain and conduct a thorough investigation into the event.
Nigeria has recently taken a significant step toward improved data security by implementing a comprehensive data protection law in 2023. This measure, passed following a lengthy legislative process, is an important step forward in protecting personal information in the digital era.
In order to address these issues front on, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director-General of NIMC, recently met with the Senate Committee on National Identity and Population. The meeting focused on the barriers to enrolling more Nigerians in the national digital ID initiative.
Engr. Coker-Odusote stressed the necessity of overcoming these difficulties to accelerate the initiative’s success and ensure that more Nigerians have access to safe and reliable identity management services. The NIMC is still dedicated to upgrading its security measures and working with regulatory agencies to protect people’ data from theft and exploitation. These actions are critical to ensuring the integrity of Nigeria’s national identification database and fostering public trust in the country’s digital identity systems.
