The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has introduced new restrictions on access to its self-service modification portal, limiting user access to the specific browser and device originally used during account registration.
This was contained in a press statement on Thursday by the Head of the Commission’s Corporate Communications Unit, Dr Kayode Adegoke.
According to the statement, the measure is aimed at protecting the integrity of the National Identification Number (NIN) system and ensuring secure access to the portal.
The commission 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’.
It warned that users attempting to log in with a different browser or device may encounter access issues.
The commission also noted that clearing a browser’s cache would reset the browser identity, potentially locking the user out of their account.
‘If this occurs, the account will require an unlinking process to regain access’, the statement added.
Further tightening access, the Commission announced a cap on the number of unlock attempts.
‘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 said.
The commission explained that these new rules were part of broader efforts to protect users’ personal data.
‘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.
It urged users to follow the guidelines strictly to avoid delays or service disruptions.
‘Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as the Commission continues to safeguard your data and improve service delivery’, it added.
The NIN self-service portal allows users to update certain personal records online. However, with the implementation of these new browser and device restrictions, users are advised to exercise caution and avoid activities that could trigger account locks.
The PUNCH earlier reported that the NIMC increased the cost of modifying personal data on the NIN database, with correction of date of birth now fixed at N28,574.
This marks a 75 per cent rise from the previous fee of N16,340 for the same service.
According to the updated price list released by the commission, changes to any other data field, such as name or address, will now cost N2,000 per request, compared to the earlier fee of N1,522, representing a 31 per cent increase.
While initial NIN enrolment and the first slip issuance remain free, the reissuance of a NIN slip has gone up from N500 to N600.
Premium enrolment services at licensed lounges and visa centres now cost N20,000, while VIP reissuance of slips will attract a fee of N3,500.
For Nigerians in the Diaspora, NIMC pegged adult enrolment at $50 and $30 for children in African countries, with slip reissuance priced at $6. Correction of date of birth will cost $55, while modifications to other fields will cost $10. For those outside Africa, name correction is priced at $60, while other changes remain at $10.
The commission said the new price regime was introduced ‘after a decade of maintaining the same price structure’, adding that the increase is to ‘ensure alignment with current operational costs and industry standards’
