The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has rolled out new security guidelines for Nigerians using its self-service portal to modify their National Identification Number (NIN) records.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, the Commission said access to the modification portal will now be restricted to the specific device and browser used during initial account registration.
According to NIMC, the measure is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen data protection and prevent unauthorized account access. The system automatically blocks login attempts from unfamiliar browsers or devices to safeguard user identities.
“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,” the Commission stated.
NIMC further cautioned users against clearing their browser cache, warning that doing so could reset settings and trigger an account lockout.
Locked accounts are allowed a maximum of five unlock attempts. Once that limit is exceeded, the account can only be restored through a formal unlinking process.
“These are some of the measures put in place to safeguard and protect the identity of users,” NIMC said, urging applicants to strictly follow the new rules to avoid disruptions.
The self-service modification portal is part of NIMC’s broader push to digitise identity management. In October 2024, the Commission stopped processing NIN data modification requests at its enrolment centres, directing all applicants to use the online platform instead.
At the time, NIMC said the shift would make services more accessible by allowing users to update their information “anywhere, anytime” without visiting a physical office.
The Commission emphasised that compliance with the new access restrictions will help ensure a smoother user experience while maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s national identity database.
