*As NIMC dismisses reports
WorldStage Newsonline– The National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, has ordered a full-scale investigation in respect of allegations of unauthorized access to the personal data of enrollees in the database of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
NDPC in a statement signed by it, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations Babatunde Bamigboye, Esq, said investigation is a further regulatory measure to be taken by NDPC in the wake of public concerns over reports of illegal access to personal data of enrollees by a shadowy entity called XpressVerify.com.
He said, “It will be recalled that prior to now, NDPC had been engaging with NIMC on fostering adequacy of data protection
“To this end, NDPC held a training with relevant officers of NIMC early February, 2024. This is one in a continuum of measures being put in place by the Federal Government to ensure data privacy and protection.
“We note that NIMC has initiated internal investigation and it has immediately given full assurances of cooperation with NDPC to get to the root of the allegation and to review existing mediums through which any entity may lawfully verify the identity of enrollees on its platform
” Furthermore, NDPC will work with relevant agencies to audit the trails of the alleged unauthorized data processing and monetization of same, and those who are found culpable for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 will be brought to justice.
The National Commissioner further directed that preliminary findings of the investigation should be made public within seven days.”
NIMC DISMISSES REPORTS
Meanwhile, NIMC has dismissed that its database was compromised as a result of the undersea cable cut which disrupted services of banks and telecom operators in Nigeria.
A statement by the Head of Corporate Communications of NIMC, Mr Kayode Adegoke assured Nigerians of safety and protection of their data.
The commission’s assurance came as response to report from some sections of the media concerning an alleged breach of citizens’ data by a private organization, XpressVerify.
“We express gratitude to 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, “it stated.
The Director-General of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, 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-licences.
‘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 commission said 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.
