The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has dismissed recent reports suggesting that the Police Service Commission (PSC) is unable to access the National Identification Number (NIN) database. In a clear statement released on Thursday, NIMC described the claims as “misleading and inaccurate,” assuring the public that all verification platforms remain fully operational and accessible to authorized security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and PSC.
Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of NIMC’s Corporate Communications Unit, emphasized that the Commission has granted unrestricted verification access to all Nigerian Police formations for several years. “The NPF, PSC, and other security agencies have been enjoying uninterrupted verification services for over five years,” he said.
The statement comes in response to concerns raised by the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Hashimu Argungu. During a recent visit to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Argungu expressed frustration over the PSC’s purported inability to access the NIMC database, which he claimed was hindering the verification of police recruitment applicants.
NIMC clarified that no complaints have been received from either the NPF or PSC regarding access issues. The Commission also highlighted that the Nigeria Police ICT department actively manages the technical integration that enables seamless NIN verification across police units nationwide.
In addition, NIMC noted that recent structural changes to the verification framework, made in consultation with the Office of the National Security Adviser, were implemented to enhance standardization and improve service delivery. The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly confirmed that their access to verification services remains uninterrupted.
“Any service interruption experienced by the PSC may be due to internal matters,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, NIMC pledged to continue providing reliable verification services to support police recruitment, cybercrime control, security mapping, and other official functions. The Commission urged all partner agencies to adhere to agreed terms and conditions to ensure smooth and secure access to the NIN database.
