NIMC temporarily suspends the bypass registration process

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced the temporary suspension of the bypass registration process to prevent misuse and correct irregularities.

This decision was announced on Saturday in a statement signed by Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications.

Bypass enrollment typically allows users to bypass the device setup process with restrictions and administrative controls often imposed by organizations.

This process gives the user full control over the device.

NIMC expressed concerns over numerous reports of fraudulent online platforms forcing Nigerians to disclose their personal information for services to change or register their National Identification Number (NIN).

The statement stressed that perpetrators of these illegal activities would be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“In order to prevent abuse and correct any irregularities, the Commission has temporarily suspended the bypass registration procedure,” the statement said.

Adegoke assured the public that the Commission would announce the resumption of the circumvention process at a later date.

NIMC reiterated its commitment to providing secure identity services and protecting citizens’ data in line with its mandate as Nigeria’s foundational identity provider.

Enhanced measures have been taken to protect information stored in the national identity database.

“These measures are in line with the commitment outlined by the Director General/CEO, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, upon assuming office in August 2023,” NIMC said.

Engr. Coker-Odusote stressed that the NIMC is working with relevant security agencies to maintain the highest data security standards and regulatory compliance.”

As part of these new security protocols, all licensed verification agents, front-end partners (FEPs) and diaspora FEPs will undergo rigorous security screening to ensure compliance with global best practices in identity management.

Any violation of the FEP will be subject to sanctions in accordance with applicable regulations and national laws.

NIMC also mentioned that law enforcement agencies have been instructed to crack down on and arrest those involved in online phishing schemes targeting citizens’ data.

This directive came after a report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) on March 16 revealed that XpressVerify had unrestricted access to the NINs and personal data of all Nigerians registered in the national identity database managed by the NIMC.

XpressVerify has monetized access to this data.

The Commission assured Nigerians that their data was safe and committed to protecting it.

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