NIMC Data Breach: House of Reps, Orders Investigation

By Mosope Kehinde

The House of Representatives has directed its Committee on Digital and Information Technology to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the recent data breach at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Honorable Adedeji Olajide, Chairman, House Committee on Digital and Information Technology, who expressed concern over the consequences of the data breach on Nigeria’s cybersecurity space.

Speaking on the outcome of the plenary session, Tolu Mustapha, Special Adviser, Media and Public Affairs to Honorable Olajide said the investigative panel is expected to meet with the management of the National Identity Management Commission next week to brief the committee on the outcome of its internal investigation among other terms of reference of the committee.

It will be recalled that the recent data breach at NIMC exposed the personal data of over 50 million Nigerians, highlighting the need for enhanced data protection and security measures.

The House Committee on Digital and Information Technology is expected to uncover the cause of the breach, identify the perpetrators, and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.

The NIMC had earlier initiated an internal investigation into the data compromise and is cooperating with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to get to the root of the allegation.

Also, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission has also ordered an independent full-scale investigation into the alleged privacy breach at the NIMC and is expected to come up preliminary findings.

Meanwhile, more Nigerians have continued to lend their voice to the call by Honorable Olajide for the relocation of NIMC which is domiciled under the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior to the Ministry of Communication to ensure effective oversight, regulation, and collaboration.

This they said will restore the confidence of Nigerians in the readiness of Government to live up to its responsibilities and protect its citizens from being fleeced of their hard earned savings by cyber hackers who now have unhindered access to their sensitive personal data.

The House Committee on Digital and Information Technology is expected to submit its report within two weeks.

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