TheNewsGuru

Tag: NIMC

  • NIMC completes upgrade of diaspora NIN platform

    NIMC completes upgrade of diaspora NIN platform

    The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) says it has successfully upgraded its diaspora National Identification Number (NIN) platform for effective service delivery.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, NIMC, Dr Kayode Adegoke, on Monday in Lagos.

    Adegoke said that the upgraded platform was also for the smooth management of NIN enrolment in the Diaspora.

    He said that the platform, among many other benefits, would provide a seamless, robust, more secure, efficient and effective NIN service delivery to Nigerians in the Diaspora.

    According to him, NIMC Diaspora Front-End Partners (FEPs) have been onboarded on the upgraded system with intensive training to equip them with the prerequisite knowledge on the application and effective management of the new system.

    Adegoke, however, noted that all diaspora FEPs were required to obtain and activate their NIN enrolment licenses on the upgraded platform within the next 48 hours.

    He said that diaspora applicants could access enrolment services from compliant FEPs.

    “The commission apologises for any inconvenience the platform upgrade process could have caused and has set up a dedicated service team to resolve all issues related to diaspora enrolment.

    “Diaspora applicants experiencing issues with NIN enrolment should please reach the Commission via nimccustomercare@nimc.gov.ng for timely resolution,” he said.

    Adegoke said that applicants could locate the nearest enrolment centres on the NIMC website, www.nimc.gov.ng and proceed for enrolment.

    He added that NIN enrolment was ongoing across all the centres in Nigeria.

    “Nigerians at home or in the Diaspora can also modify their NIN data through the https://selfservicemodification.nimc.gov.ng portal.

    “NIN holders are equally enjoined to download the NIMC NINAuth App on either iOS or Google Play Store to instantly verify their NINs.

    “Holders can also approve who sees their information, take total control of their data, and enjoy seamless verification and authentication services,” Adegoke explained.

  • NIMC sends strong message to Nigerians selling their NIN for ₦1500, ₦2000

    NIMC sends strong message to Nigerians selling their NIN for ₦1500, ₦2000

    The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has warned Nigerians sharing their information with scammers who offer between ₦1,500 and ₦2,000 to desist from such actions, stressing that it will not be responsible for any consequences faced by citizens who share their information with others.

    According to the commission, these scammers, in exchange for data, resell the information received to Fintech companies for as much as ₦5,000.

    The warning comes after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed that over 2,000 Nigerians have fallen victim to scammers who offer between ₦1,500 and ₦2,000 in exchange for their data, which is then resold to Fintech companies for as much as ₦5,000.

    Quoting EFCC’s statement, NIMC said, “This fraud scheme is largely driven by an army of young Nigerians offering a paltry payment of between ₦1500 and ₦2000 to their victims to make them surrender a copy of their personal information details to them and sell the same information to some Fintech Institutions for about ₦5000”

    Reacting, the NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, in statement issued in Abuja on Sunday describing the trend as “a serious security concern” with “grave consequences for the NIN holders.”

    “The NIMC wishes to state clearly that it will not be held responsible for any personal information shared by an individual directly or by proxy for the purpose of financial gain or inducement,” Adegoke stated.

    He warned that disclosing personal data carelessly exposes citizens to identity theft, fraud and other criminal activities. He reminded the public that “Nigerians have been informed repeatedly in the past by the NIMC not to disclose their NIN to any unauthorised individual or organisation.”

    The agency also cautioned service providers to verify all NINs presented before granting access to any services, stating that such verification is crucial to protecting users’ identities.

    “To enjoy seamless benefits, including protection and control of their personal information, Nigerians are advised to download the NINAuth App on Apple iOS or Google Play Store,” the statement added.

  • NIN enrolment hits 120 million

    NIN enrolment hits 120 million

    The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) says that no fewer than 120 million persons have so far been captured in the ongoing nationwide National Identity Number (NIN) enrolment since inception.

    The Director General of NIMC, Mrs Abisoye Coker-Odusote disclosed this at a media conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

    She said the enrolment would still continue at both the rural and urban communities.

    “We have enrolled many Nigerians and still counting so we are definitely going to continue to ensure that we enrol more Nigerians before the end of this year.

    ”One of the things that we have done under the partnership with the World Bank on the Nigeria Identification for Development (ID4D) project is that we have been able to ensure that the private sector is integrated into what we do.

    “We have collaboration with the private sector through our scheme known as Frontier Partners where they join us to enrol Nigerians nationwide and they go out there with us and enrol Nigerians,” she said.

    Coker-Odusote said the Commission had been able to create an enabling environment by providing jobs nationwide.

    She said NIMC state offices and even at the local governments were equipped with upgraded  equipments to help enrollees in various communities to be able to enrol.

    “There are well trained NIMC staff that are willing to assist you to be able to enrol through the application and modify the information as requested.

    “So it’s very important for us to know that when we are looking at the pricing framework, the summary of it is some prices were deleted, some prices were reviewed downward, and some prices were increased,” Coke-Odusote said.

    She said that citizens were allowed to book online, and visit the centres to pre-enrol, pre-fill their information as well as get their biometrics captured.

    Coker-Odusote said the pre-enrolment system processes had reduced across port for easier access of time in biometric capturing, saying that information were submitted online  and authenticated and pre-enrolled.

    “People may move from one location to another location and they want to update because of jobs, because of family, people relocate to different parts of Nigeria.

    “So, if you move from Lagos State to Kaduna or you move from Abuja to Cross River, you need to be able to update your records.

    “So rather than allowing people to come and queue up at our centres we created the modification platform online,” she said.

    Coker-Odusote said the platform known as  Self-Assist Platform allowed users you to log in with their biometrics, authenticate and follow cyber security policies and data protection policy to be able to modify data and update record online.

    “The NIMC NIN Authentication application is the official service for integration with the Commission’s backend infrastructure.

    “It introduces a robust layer of protection, empowering individuals with greater control over their personal information,” she said.

    Coker-Odusote said student loans could only be facilitated through NIN enrollment, saying it would drive economic growth and financial inclusion.

    ”The government has provided access to facility, loan facilities for students or aspiring students that would like to further their higher education to be able to apply for this process with ease.

    “All you need to do is go on to their portal, input your name and what that does is you have a single source of information and verifiable information,”  she said.

    The Director General said the process was to eliminate the possibility of duplication and also reducing cases or instances of identity fraud, adding that students had been able to apply for the loans successfully.

    She also said that the Commission had also engaged cyber security experts to be able to help strengthen to international best practices.

    “We have been able to reduce issues around extortion and corruption by at least 40 per cent.

    “It’s an ongoing process, we’re working on it and we have done quite a bit to be able to address all the problems,” she said.

    Coker-Odusote however, said training and re-training were ongoing in order to deliver their services efficiently.

  • NIMC approves price review of products, services

    NIMC approves price review of products, services

    The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) on Thursday reviewed the prices of its products and services after a decade of maintaining the same pricing structure.

    The Head, Communication Unit, NIMC, Dr Kayode Adegoke, said in a statement  that NIMC conducted a comprehensive review to ensure alignment with current operational costs and industry standards.

    Adegoke said that the revised pricing structure aimed at maintaining the quality and integrity of NIMC’s services while ensuring affordability and accessibility for Nigerians.

    He said that the new prices would take effect immediately.

    “NIMC warns all Front-End Partners (FEPs) to adhere strictly to the new pricing structure. Any FEP found charging more than the approved rates will face sanctions, including license revocation.

    ‘”NIMC is committed to protecting the interests of Nigerians and ensuring that our services are delivered at fair and transparent prices,’’ he said.

    According to the NIMC spokesman, the new pricing structure will be published on NIMC’s website, www.nimc.gov.ng, where it can be accessed by all Nigerians and relevant stakeholders.

    Adegoke said that NIMC reaffirmed its commitment to providing secure and reliable identity services to Nigerians.

    He encouraged the public to report any FEP charging above the approved rates to the Commission’s Inspectorate and Enforcement Unit via ieu@nimc.gov.ng.

    Meanwhile, the NIMC Director-General/Chief Executive, Mrs Abisoye Coker-Odusote, thanked Nigerians, sister agencies and its partners for their steadfast support.

    She expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu; the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; harmonisation partners and staff of NIMC for their immeasurable support towards building a strong and lasting National Identity System.

    Meanwhile, at the time of filing this report, the NIMC was down and could not be accessed to check the products and services to ascertain the nature of the review.

  • Reps threaten to arrest NIMC D-G

    Reps threaten to arrest NIMC D-G

    The House of Representatives has threatened to order the arrest of the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Bisoye Coker-Odusote.

    The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions issued the threat in a statement issued by the Head, Media/Public Petitions Committee, House of Representatives, Chooks Oko, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The committee said it would actualise the threat if Coker-Odusote failed to come in person to answer charges on refusal to pay for a state-of-the-art software development project.

    Chairman of the committee, Mike Etaba frowned at the continuous absence of the NIMC director-general despite several invitations.

    “If she fails to show up at the next hearing of this case, we’ll have no option than to ask the Inspector-General of Police to bring her.

    “How can an official of government treat constituted authority with such levity? We can no longer condone such attitude,” he said.

    The project was installed and deployed to the commission by a private firm, Truid Limited, which was alleging a breach of licence agreement by NIMC.

    According to E. R. Opara, counsel to Truid Limited, the agreement is premised on an arrangement that the project would be funded by the firm.

    “Truid was to get returns on her investment through patronage of service providers and the proceeds shared on an agreed ratio.

    “This was to run for an initial period of 10 years, from 2021 when the software was deployed,” Opara said.

  • NIMC advises Nigerians to avoid giving data to Phishing sites, list websites ‘harvesting’ fraudulently 

    NIMC advises Nigerians to avoid giving data to Phishing sites, list websites ‘harvesting’ fraudulently 

    The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has listed five websites allegedly harvesting Nigerians’ data fraudulently.

    This comes against the backdrop of the recent alarm raised by Paradigm Initiative that some websites are selling Nigerians’ National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), International Passport, and other data.

    The Commission in a statement issued on Saturday by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, said the websites engaging in the illegal harvest of data without its authority include:

    idfinder.com.ng,
    Verify.Ng/sign in,
    championtech.com.ng.
    trustyonline.com, and
    anyverify.com.
    “NIMC urges the public to disregard any claims or services these websites offer and should not give their data as they are potentially fraudulent and data provided by the public on such websites are gathered and stored to build the data services they illegally provide,” it stated.

    The Commission further stated that Nigerians’ sensitive data have not been compromised as claimed by Paradigm Initiative, adding that it has taken measures to strengthen the NIN database further.

    “At this moment, the Commission assures the public that the data of Nigerians has not been compromised, and the Commission has not authorized any website or entity to sell or misuse the National Identification Number (NIN) amongst all the identities stated in the report.

    “The public should know that the Commission has taken robust measures to safeguard the nation’s database from cyber threats- a secure, world-class, full-proof database is in place. The commission’s infrastructure meets the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard, with annual recertification and strict compliance with the Nigerian Data Protection Law,” it said.

    NIMC advised Nigerians to avoid giving their data to unauthorized and phishing sites as they pose the danger of data harvesting and comprise individual data.

    While reaffirming its commitment to upholding ethical standards in data protection in line with federal government directives and data privacy regulations, the Commission noted that its licensed partners or vendors are not authorized to scan or store NIN slips but to verify NINs through approved channels.

    NIMC added that it is working closely with security operatives to apprehend elements masquerading as online vendors, and they would face the full wrath of the law.

    “NIMC urges the public to remain vigilant against false information and rely on verified sources for accurate updates. The Commission remains committed to providing secure and reliable identity management and upholding the highest level of security for systems and databases, which are critical national asset. ”

     

  • NIMC dismisses alleged data breach, assures safety

    NIMC dismisses alleged data breach, assures safety

    The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has dismissed as misleading reports insinuating breach of its database.

    This is contained in a statement by Mr Kayode Adegoke, Head, Corporate Communications of the commission, on Saturday in Abuja.

    He said the data of Nigerians have not been compromised as being insinuated, adding that the commission had not authorised any website or entity to sell or misuse the National Identification Number (NIN), and other sensitive information of the citizens.

    “The following websites: idfinder.com.ng; Verify. Ng/sign in, championtech.com.ng, trustyonline.com, and anyverify.com are data harvesters not authorised by NIMC to access or manage sensitive data.

    “NIMC urges the public to disregard any claims or services these websites offer and should not give their data as they are potentially fraudulent and data provided by the public on such websites are gathered and stored to build the data services they illegally provide,” Adegoke said.

    He said that commission had adopted proactive measures to safeguard the nation’s database from cyber threats, and provide a secure, world-class, full-proof database.

    According to Adegoke, the commission’s infrastructure meets the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standards, with annual recertification and strict compliance with the Nigerian Data Protection Law.

    While advising Nigerians against giving their data to unauthorised and phishing sites, Adegoke reiterated commitment of the commission to uphold ethical standards in data protection in line with Federal Government’s directives and data privacy regulations.

    He also warned that licensed partners or vendors could only verify NINs through approved channels and not authorised to scan or store it.

    According to him, NIMC is currently working with security agencies to apprehend the culprits for prosecution.

    He, therefore, urged Nigerians to be vigilant against false information and rely on verified sources for accurate updates.

    “The Commission remains committed to providing secure and reliable identity management and upholding the highest level of security for systems and databases, which are critical national assets”.

  • FG set to launch new National ID cards with improved features

    FG set to launch new National ID cards with improved features

    The Federal Government in  conjunction with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have perfected plans to launch an upgraded national identity card with payment functionality for all types of social and financial services in the country.

    The new ID card that will be produced with help of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), is to be powered by AfriGO, a National domestic card scheme.

    This was made known by the Head of Corporate Communications of NIMC, Kayode Adegoke via a statement on Friday.

    According to him, the National ID card will be layered with verifiable National Identity features, is backed by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates NIMC to enrol and issue a General Multipurpose card (GMPC) to Nigerians and legal residents.

    The new ID  will address the demand for physical identification enabling cardholders prove their identity, access government and private social services.

    It will also facilitate financial inclusion for disenfranchised Nigerians, empower citizens, as well as encourage increased participation in nation- building.

    NIMC noted that only registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number (NIN) will be eligible to request the card.

    “The card, which will be produced according to ICAO standards, is positioned as the country’s default national identity card. In addition to this functionality, cardholders will also be able to use the cards as debit or prepaid cards by linking same to bank accounts of their choice.

    “The card shall enable eligible persons especially those financially excluded from social and financial services have access to multiple government interventions programs.

    “In line with data protection regulation and public interest, NIMC remains committed to protecting cardholders’ personal data and will ensure compliance with international standards on data security protocols as security features that protect the confidentiality and safety of users’ information,” the statement read in part.

    Key features of the card will include Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) in conformation with ICAO for e-passport information, Identity card Issue Date and document number in line with ICAO standard.

  • NIMC, NCC partner on NIN-SIM linkage processes

    NIMC, NCC partner on NIN-SIM linkage processes

    The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have partnered to enhance processes related to the National Identification Number (NIN)-SIM linkage.

    This is contained in a statement jointly signed by Dr Reuben Muoka, NCC Director Public Affairs and Ayodele Babalola, Technical Adviser, Media, and Communications to NIMC on Sunday in Abuja.

    According to the statement, in recent times, the NIN-SIM linkage exercise has become subject of national discourse, reflecting the critical importance of aligning SIM registrations with individuals’ unique national identification numbers.

    “Recognising the significance of this initiative in enhancing security and improving service delivery, both NIMC and NCC are committed to improving processes and enhancing efficiency.

    “NIMC and NCC will work closely to explore synergies and leverage each other’s expertise and resources in some key areas.”

    While streamlining the NIN-SIM linkage process, the two agencies said they would collaborate to ensure a seamless experience for Nigerian telecommunication subscribers.

    “This includes exploring innovative approaches to facilitate the swift verification and authentication of NINs during SIM registration and activation processes.

    “Capacity building and public awareness: both agencies will collaborate on initiatives aimed at enhancing public awareness and understanding of the NIN-SIM linkage requirements.

    “These include educational campaigns, training sessions for stakeholders, and the dissemination of accurate information to the public to encourage compliance with the linkage directives.

    “Data Verification and Validation: NIMC will continue to extend its support to NCC by providing assistance in verifying National Identification Numbers (NINs) associated with SIM registrations.”

    The agencies noted that telecommunication operators would validate submitted NINs to ensure accuracy and integrity of subscriber data, when leveraging NIMC’s robust database and authentication infrastructure.

    On policy harmonisation and regulatory framework, they added that NIMC and NCC would collaborate on aligning policies and regulatory frameworks to facilitate the seamless integration of NIN-SIM linkage processes within the telecommunications ecosystem.

    “This includes harmonising data protection and privacy regulations to safeguard the confidentiality and security of subscriber information.

    “Both NIMC and NCC are committed to fostering a collaborative and transparent partnership that prioritises the interests of Nigerian citizens and promotes national development.

    “By pooling our resources and expertise, we aim to overcome the challenges associated with the NIN-SIM linkage exercise and ensure its continued successful implementation.”

  • Malfeasance allegation rocks NIMC over private data of enrollees

    Malfeasance allegation rocks NIMC over private data of enrollees

    The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), says it will investigate the alleged unauthorised access to the personal data of enrollees by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

    Its National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji,  National Commissioner of NDPC said this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday and signed by Mr Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations of NDPC.

    “This 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,” Olatunji said.

    He recalled that the NDPC had been engaging with NIMC on fostering adequacy of data protection and consequently had a workshop in February.

    According to him, 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 assurance of cooperation with NDPC.

    “NDPC will get to the root of the allegation and  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 unauthorised data processing and monetisation of same,” he said.

    Olatunji noted that those who were found culpable for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, would be brought to justice.

    The National commissioner further directed that preliminary findings of the investigation should be made public within seven days.