Bosun Tijani addresses allegations of data breaches at NIMC, confirming ongoing investigations by NDPC. The Minister outlines proactive measures and collaborations to strengthen Nigeria's digital infrastructure and cybersecurity.
Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has assured the public of a thorough investigation into alleged breaches in Nigeria's national data system. Speaking through his official X handle, Tijani disclosed that both the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC) are actively conducting probes. This response follows reports by Paradigm Initiative claiming that personal data such as National Identification Numbers (NINs) and Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) were being sold on unauthorized websites for as little as N100.
NIMC recently refuted any association with websites like Idfinder.com.ng, Verify.ng, Championtech.com.ng, Trustyonline.com, and Anyverify.com, cautioning Nigerians against engaging with them. However, Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, revealed purchasing Tijani's NIN slip for N100, highlighting vulnerabilities.
Tijani neither confirmed nor denied the breaches but affirmed governmental vigilance: "The agencies are on top of the matter," he stated, citing collaboration with the Ministry of Interior overseeing NIMC and ongoing investigations by NDPC. Emphasizing proactive steps since assuming office, Tijani outlined initiatives to enhance technology application in government, including a structured Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) approach to bolster cybersecurity and data exchange among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The minister underscored achievements such as workshops with ICT directors, the launch of #DevsInGovernment community, and partnerships with international entities like Finland and Estonia to fortify Nigeria's digital infrastructure. He anticipates implementing a data exchange system pilot across five MDAs by year-end to support critical citizen services.
