Gbenga Sesan of Paradigm Initiative exposes Nigeria's NIN database vulnerability, purchasing a minister's NIN slip for N100. This highlights rampant data breaches and security risks, prompting legal action amid concerns over citizen privacy and national security implications.
Gbenga Sesan, the Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, has raised alarm over the vulnerability of Nigeria's National Identification Number (NIN) database, revealing that his organization purchased Minister Bosun Tijani’s NIN slip for just N100.
Speaking on News Central TV, Sesan highlighted the ease with which sensitive personal data can be accessed and exploited, emphasizing the implications for national security. He underscored that obtaining a NIN slip for a mere N100 enables malicious actors to potentially impersonate high-profile individuals, including military leaders engaged in counter-terrorism efforts. This revelation comes amidst ongoing concerns about data breaches and privacy violations on platforms like AnyVerify, which allegedly sell citizens’ BVNs and other personal information.
Paradigm Initiative has expressed intent to pursue legal action on behalf of affected Nigerians, criticizing the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for inadequate oversight and responses to such breaches. While NIMC has denied any compromise of citizens’ data, it acknowledged unauthorized access by entities like AnyVerify, labeling them as data harvesters.
Sesan urged for urgent measures to prevent further breaches and protect citizens’ privacy, cautioning against the potential misuse of compromised personal information.
