NIMC Denies Claims of Access Blockade, Affirms Seamless Verification Services for Police and Security Agencies
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has firmly denied recent reports suggesting that the Police Service Commission (PSC) lacks access to its identity verification systems, calling such claims “misleading and inaccurate.”
In an official statement signed by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, the Commission emphasized that all its verification platforms are fully operational and accessible to all authorized partners, including security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the PSC.
“The NIMC granted verification access to all Nigerian Police formations for the verification of the National Identification Number (NIN),” the statement read.
It further noted that the PSC, NPF, and other law enforcement bodies have enjoyed uninterrupted verification services for over five years, reinforcing the Commission’s active support for national security and law enforcement operations.
Strong Partnership with Security Agencies
NIMC underlined its long-standing collaboration with the Nigeria Police, stating that its identity verification services have been a critical part of police recruitment and other internal processes.
“The Nigeria Police ICT Department is actively managing the technical integration that enables seamless NIN verification across formations,” it explained.
The agency noted that it has not received any formal complaint from either the Police Service Commission or the Nigeria Police Force regarding access challenges. It also clarified that recent technical updates to the verification framework—made in consultation with the Office of the National Security Adviser—were designed to enhance standardization, security, and overall service delivery.
“Any service interruption experienced by the PSC may be due to internal matters,” NIMC stated.
Backstory: PSC Seeks Help from NDPC
The public rebuttal from NIMC follows a statement earlier this week by Hashimu Argungu, Chairman of the Police Service Commission and retired Deputy Inspector General of Police. During a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Argungu claimed the PSC has been unable to access the NIMC database, which he said is affecting the verification of applicants for the 2025 police recruitment exercise.
Argungu appealed to NDPC National Commissioner Dr. Vincent Olatunji to intervene and help facilitate access, noting that reliable identity verification is crucial for fulfilling the PSC’s constitutional mandate in police recruitment.
NIMC: No Compromise on National Security
In its response, NIMC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to national security and the integrity of Nigeria’s identity infrastructure. The Commission reiterated its readiness to continue offering reliable verification services that support recruitment, cybercrime investigations, national security mapping, and other official functions.
However, it also called on all partner agencies to adhere to existing protocols and agreements, ensuring smoother collaboration and system access.
Final Thoughts
The ongoing exchange between the PSC and NIMC highlights the complexities of inter-agency coordination in Nigeria’s digital governance space. While NIMC insists that access remains available and uninterrupted, the PSC’s frustration points to possible operational or administrative lapses that may need resolution at the institutional level.
With the 2025 police recruitment cycle underway, it is expected that relevant authorities will work together to resolve any lingering technical or bureaucratic issues—ensuring that identity verification, a cornerstone of credible recruitment and public trust, is not compromised.
Bottom Line:
NIMC’s platforms are active and accessible to authorized users, including the PSC and NPF. Any issues of access, the Commission asserts, may lie within the internal systems of requesting agencies—not with the national identity infrastructure.
