NIMC director general says Commission has taken robust measures to protect national database from cyber attacks

 

The Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engineer Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has said Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, should not worry about the security of the national database that houses the National Identification Numbers (NIN).

Coker-Odusote confirmed that effective measures have been taken to safeguard the national database from cyber threats.

He spoke in Abuja on Wednesday at the start of a two-day roundtable with online publishers and editors.

He further assured Nigerians that in accordance with one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the NIMC would not rest until all Nigerian citizens, at home and in the diaspora, and legal residents, were entered into the country’s identity database.

He said everyone has the right to obtain a digital identity to enable inclusivity and access to government programs.

He explained that the Sustainable Development Goal (16.9) aims to ensure that everyone on planet Earth has some form of identity by 2030.

Engineer Coker-Odusote said the NIMC infrastructure complies with the stringent ISO 27001:2013 standard for information security management system, ensuring the highest standards of data protection are maintained.

Apparently referring to the recent controversy over an alleged breach of the Commission’s database, Engineer Coker-Odusote said that no breach of the Commission’s database had occurred.

He said no information has surfaced from the NIMC, assuring Nigerians that the Commission’s database is very robust.

“We will further strengthen our existing security infrastructure,” he said.

He said that under his leadership, “NIMC has an unwavering commitment to upholding ethical standards in data protection,” noting that cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies such as encryption, multi-factor authentication and real-time monitoring systems have been implemented to protect the database.

According to her: “We are also very careful to ensure that all the commission’s partners and suppliers meet rigorous safety standards.”

He further announced that the NIMC is very focused on inclusion, adding that a compelling strategy is already in place, with the support of the Nigeria Digital ID4D project, to ensure that those at risk of being excluded from the Nigerian identity project are adequately covered.

She added: “From people with disabilities, to women and children, to the elderly and those living in rural and hard-to-reach areas, we are determined to ensure that no one is left behind.”

He said that one of the objectives of the Round Table was “to strengthen cooperation with the media, in line with our determination to keep the public regularly informed about the measures taken to protect their data, the Commission’s activities, updates, success stories and challenges.”

The Coordinator of the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project Implementation Unit, Ms. Tito Ejenavi, in her previous remarks noted that historically, identity systems have often inadvertently marginalized certain groups due to logistical challenges and social stigmas, particularly affecting women and persons with disabilities.

“We are committed to reversing this trend by ensuring that our identification system is inclusive, equitable and accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of their socioeconomic status, gender or physical ability,” he said.

He said the fundamental identification system that NIMC was building was “not just about numbers; it’s about people and their access to rights and services.”

According to her: “By strengthening our national identity infrastructure, the NIMC and we aim to support Nigeria’s digital economy, improve data protection and close inclusion gaps that hinder access to identification and related key services.”

She said: “This is particularly crucial for marginalised groups, including people with disabilities and the rural poor.”

In his brief address, the Vice President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOPOP), Danlami Nmodu mni, commended the NIMC management for the initiative and assured the NIMC management that online newspaper publishers would collaborate with the commission in promoting its programmes and activities for the realisation of its mandate and objectives.

The post NIMC Director General Says Commission Has Taken Effective Measures to Protect National Database from Cyber ​​Attacks appeared first on TheConclaveNg.