ONSA Clears NIMC From Nigerians’ Data Breach Scandal

Against the backdrop of the recent media report about the alleged compromise of Nigerians’ data by a syndicate, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has been investigated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) over the claim, and given a clean bill of health.

This was disclosed by the director-general/chief executive officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, at the opening of a two-day roundtable with Online News Editors and Publishers in Abuja, on Wednesday.

LEADERSHIP recalls that last week, a group, Paradigm Initiative, had raised an alarm over its discovery of National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), and other personal data of Nigerians on a website for as low as N100 fee.

According to the group, the website AnyVerify.com.ng was discovered to be involved in the commercial distribution of personal and private data of Nigerians.

But, the NIMC boss noted that under her watch, the Commission is committed to complying with all extant laws and regulations governing the protection of data in Nigeria.

“So far, we have done so much towards ensuring compliance with the highest standards of data security, sanitising the system and processes, while ensuring the integrity of data on the country’s identity database. We shall not rest on our oars.

“Let me use this medium to, once again, reassure Nigerians, at home, and in the diaspora that robust measures are in place to safeguard the nation’s database from cyber threats,” she stated.

Coker-Odusote added that NIMC’s infrastructure adheres to the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard, ensuring that the highest standards of data protection are maintained.

“Under my leadership, NIMC has an unwavering commitment to upholding ethical standards in data protection.

“Cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and real-time monitoring systems are in place to protect the database.

“We are also very deliberate about ensuring that all partners and vendors of the commission comply with strict security standards,” she stated.

On the two-day roundtable with the digital journalists, she identified one of the objectives of the parley to include strengthening collaboration with the media, pursuant to NIMC’s determination to regularly keep the public informed about the steps being taken to secure their data, the commission’s activities, updates, success stories, as well as challenges.

Continuing, the NIMC DG said: “I also use this medium to commend the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project for its numerous supports to NIMC and for making this Roundtable possible.”

“Pursuant to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 16.9), which seeks to ensure that everyone on the earth planet has a form of identity by 2030, NIMC shall not rest, until every citizen of Nigeria (at home and in the diaspora) and legal residents are captured on the country’s identity database.

“We are also very deliberate about inclusion. A compelling strategy is already in place, with support from the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project to ensure that those that are at the risk of being excluded on Nigeria’s identity project are adequately covered.

“From persons with disabilities, to women and children, the elderly, and those in rural and hard to reach areas, we are determined to ensure that no one is left behind,” Coker-Odusote declared.