NIMC introduces stricter access controls on NIN portal, citing data protection

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced new restrictions on its National Identification Number (NIN) self-service modification portal, limiting users to the same browser and device used during initial account registration. 

The Commission says the move is part of efforts to strengthen data protection and prevent unauthorized access to user information.

In a statement released Thursday by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, NIMC stated, “Your self-service account is uniquely tied to the browser and device used during registration. Access to your account is therefore limited to that specific browser on that particular device.” Users attempting to log in from another browser or device may face access issues.

The Commission further warned that clearing a browser’s cache could reset its identity and result in users being locked out of their accounts. “If this occurs, the account will require an unlinking process to regain access,” the statement added.

To tighten security even further, NIMC has imposed a cap on the number of times users can request to unlock their accounts. “Once your browser and device are locked, you are permitted a maximum of five unlock attempt requests. Please be advised that no further requests will be processed after this limit is exceeded,” it warned.

According to the Commission, the new guidelines are aimed at protecting user data and ensuring secure access to NIN services. “These are some of the measures put in place by the Commission to safeguard and protect the identity of the users of the self-service modifications portal,” the statement noted. Users are urged to follow the rules strictly to avoid service disruptions.

The NIN self-service portal allows Nigerians to update personal information such as name, address, or date of birth. However, with the newly introduced device and browser restrictions, users are advised to be cautious and avoid actions that could trigger account locks.

This development follows recent price hikes by NIMC for data modification services. Correction of date of birth now costs N28,574 a 75% increase from the previous fee of N16,340. Changes to other data fields like name or address now cost N2,000 per request, up from N1,522.

While initial NIN enrolment and issuance of the first slip remain free, the reissuance of slips has increased from N500 to N600. Premium services at enrolment lounges now cost N20,000, and VIP slip reissuance is pegged at N3,500. For Nigerians in the diaspora, adult enrolment is set at $50 and $30 for children in African countries. Date of birth correction costs $55, while name corrections for those outside Africa are priced at $60.

NIMC explained that the price adjustments were necessary “after a decade of maintaining the same price structure,” and that the changes are meant “to ensure alignment with current operational costs and industry standards.” As the Commission balances access with security, users are being asked to cooperate to ensure smoother service delivery.