The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has slammed the door shut on casual access to its National Identification Number (NIN) self-service modification portal. From now on, users will only be able to log in using the exact browser and device they originally registered with no exceptions.
This new security lockdown was announced on Thursday by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, head of NIMC’s Corporate Communications Unit, who said the measure aims to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s identity system and shield personal data from unauthorized access.
According to the commission’s statement, “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.” This means that switching devices, using a different browser, or even clearing your browser cache could lock you out completely.
For those locked out, there’s a narrow window to regain access users get just five unlock requests before the account is permanently locked. After that, no more appeals.
This tight grip on access is part of a broader crackdown to beef up security and prevent identity fraud. NIMC stresses that users should strictly follow the new guidelines to avoid delays or disruptions in service.
The NIN self-service portal allows Nigerians to update their personal information online, but these fresh restrictions mean users must be extra careful. Any careless action, like logging in from a new device or clearing browser history, could mean losing access and facing a cumbersome unlock process.
Meanwhile, Nigerians should also brace for higher fees to modify their NIN data. Correction of date of birth now costs a whopping N28,574 a 75% jump from the previous fee of N16,340. Other data changes, like names or addresses, have risen by 31%, now costing N2,000 per request.
Other costs have gone up too: reissuing a NIN slip is now N600 (up from N500), while premium enrolment services cost N20,000. For Nigerians abroad, fees range from $50 for adult enrolment to $60 for name corrections outside Africa.
NIMC says these price hikes are long overdue after a decade of stagnant fees and necessary to keep up with operational costs and industry standards.
As NIMC tightens security and revises pricing, Nigerians must tread carefully on the NIN portal. The message is clear: protect your data, follow the rules, and be prepared for the new reality of stricter controls and higher costs.