In a significant development affecting millions of Nigerians, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has officially revised the charges for data modification services related to the National Identification Number (NIN), marking the first upward review in over a decade. The decision, according to the Commission, aligns with current economic realities, operational expenses, and the need for service sustainability.
According to the updated fee schedule released by NIMC, the cost of correcting a date of birth in the NIN database now stands at N28,574, up from the previous N16,340, representing a 75% increase. Similarly, the cost of modifying other fields such as names, addresses, and phone numbers has risen from N1,522 to N2,000, a 31% hike.
Other key changes include the reissuance of NIN slips, which now cost N600, up from N500, while VIP slip reissuance is pegged at N3,500. For premium enrolment services at designated lounges and visa centres, Nigerians will now pay N20,000, reflecting a growing trend toward tiered service access.
NIMC also adjusted its pricing for Nigerians in the diaspora. For adults residing in African countries, NIN enrolment now costs $50, while children will pay $30. Date of birth correction for this group is set at $55, and other data updates cost $10. Nigerians living outside Africa will pay $60 for name corrections and $10 for other modifications.
The Commission explained that the new pricing regime was necessitated by a combination of factors, including Nigeria’s 32.70% inflation rate, the rising cost of maintaining digital and physical infrastructure, and the broader goals of tax harmonization and revenue generation. NIMC noted that the adjustments also benchmark against other government agencies, such as the Nigeria Immigration Service and Federal Road Safety Corps, which charge higher for comparable identity services.
“After a decade of maintaining the same price structure, the need for a review became urgent,” NIMC said in a statement. “This move ensures alignment with current operational costs and industry standards.”
The Commission further added that it conducted internal consultations before arriving at the new prices. “Following due consultation with all departments and in consideration of the above and current market realities… we propose an upward review in the fees and charges for our product and services with a markup of at least 20 per cent across, with exceptions to certain services per their peculiarities,” the statement read.
The fee increment has drawn mixed reactions from Nigerians, with many expressing concern over affordability, especially for low-income citizens. Critics argue that such essential identity services should remain accessible and reasonably priced, particularly in a struggling economy.
However, supporters of the review say the updated fees are a necessary step for service enhancement and sustainability. They also point to the Commission’s need for self-funding as a critical justification for the adjustment.
Despite the hike, NIMC reaffirmed that initial enrolment and issuance of the first NIN slip remain free, a move aimed at ensuring that no Nigerian is left out of the national identity ecosystem due to cost.
NIMC’s latest pricing revision comes amid broader efforts by the Nigerian government to enhance the country’s digital identity framework. With over 117 million Nigerians already registered, according to the latest data, the push for universal NIN coverage is a key pillar of the National Digital Economy Policy.
The Commission has also recently launched new verification services and upgraded its backend systems to improve efficiency and reduce the turnaround time for data correction requests.
As NIMC continues to navigate the balance between affordability and sustainability, the new fee structure is expected to generate more revenue while reinforcing the country’s commitment to a secure and verifiable national identity system.