The Federal Government has initiated an investigation into the alleged breach of data of Nigerians held by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, announced the probe via his X handle, stating that both the NIMC and the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC) are involved.
This follows an alarm raised by Paradigm Initiative, a pan-African social enterprise, which on Thursday alleged that National Identification Numbers (NINs), Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), and other personal data of Nigerians were being sold on a website for as low as N100.
Despite these claims, NIMC spokesman Kayode Adegoke assured Nigerians on Sunday that their data had not been compromised.
Adeboye Adegoke, a Senior Manager at Paradigm Initiative, mentioned on Channels Television’s *The Morning Show* that even the minister’s data was purchased for N100 on certain websites.
In response, Tijani stated that he had engaged with his colleague in the Ministry of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and assured that the matter is being addressed.
“Second, the NDPC, a year-old agency under my supervision as minister, has over the last few months created data compliance mechanisms for all MDAs and has since started a thorough investigation as to the circumstances surrounding this alleged breach,” Tijani said.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate