How to Correct Your NIN Name Online in Nigeria

You can correct a wrong name on your National Identification Number through NIMC's official Self-Service Modifications portal. NIMC lists change of name as an approved update and says applicants should support the request with documents such as a sworn affidavit, newspaper extract, marriage certificate where applicable, and another government-issued ID. Your 11-digit NIN normally stays the same; the correction changes the personal details attached to it.

Before paying or uploading anything, compare the name on your NIN with the name on the document you need to use, such as a bank account, passport, school record, or employment record. Write down the exact spelling and order you want. A request can be delayed when the affidavit, newspaper notice, ID, and proposed NIN name do not agree.

Documents Needed for NIN Name Correction

NIMC's published guidance lists a sworn affidavit and newspaper extract for a change of name. A marriage certificate may support a surname change after marriage, and another government ID can help establish the correct identity. Use clear, complete scans or photographs. Do not crop off document headings, stamps, signatures, dates, or certificate numbers.

• Your current NIN and a copy of the NIN slip available to you.
• A sworn affidavit stating the former name and the correct name.
• A readable newspaper extract announcing the change where required.
• A marriage certificate when the change follows marriage.
• A government-issued ID showing the correct name, when requested.
• An email address and phone number you can access during verification.

How to Correct Your NIN Name Online

1. Open the official portal: Start from the NIMC Self-Service Modifications guidance page and follow its link to the modification portal. Check the domain carefully before entering identity information.
2. Verify your identity: Enter the requested identity details and complete the portal's verification. Use a personal device and browser that you control. NIMC warns that the account can become tied to the browser and device used during registration.
3. Choose change of name: Select the name-modification option. Enter the corrected name exactly as it appears on the strongest supporting document. Review the first name, middle name, surname, spelling, spaces, and order.
4. Pay and upload documents: Complete the payment shown inside the official portal, then upload readable copies of every requested document. Keep the payment receipt and modification transaction slip.
5. Preview and submit: Use the preview to compare the old and proposed details. Submit only after every field matches your evidence. Save the reference number and watch the email address attached to the request.

Name Order, Missing Middle Names, and Spelling Errors

A spelling correction and a legal name change are not always treated the same way. If one letter is wrong, your existing ID may be enough to show the intended spelling, but the portal can still request additional evidence. Adding a name, removing a name, changing a surname, or rearranging names may need an affidavit or other legal document. Do not guess which field is your surname. Use the same structure that appears on your main legal documents.

If the purpose is to make your NIN agree with a BVN, first confirm which record is legally correct. Changing the correct record to match an incorrect one creates a larger problem. Read our NIN and BVN matching guide before submitting either correction.

What Happens After You Submit

The request remains subject to NIMC review. Approval time can vary with document verification, portal availability, and whether the evidence is consistent. NIMC says approved self-service requests receive a notification and the updated NIN slip can be sent by email or printed from the dashboard. Keep using the same browser and device while the request is active, and do not clear its cache unless NIMC support instructs you to do so.

How to Avoid a Rejected or Delayed Request

• Make the proposed name identical across the affidavit, newspaper extract, certificate, and ID.
• Upload the full document in focus and in colour when possible.
• Use your own email address and phone number so you receive status messages.
• Do not create a second NIN. NIMC's published list identifies the NIN itself as a non-updatable field.
• Do not pay an unknown person through a social-media direct message or disclose an OTP.
• If you prefer guided submission, review Ufriends' NIN modification service page and confirm the current requirements before paying.

Official Sources

When Ufriends Can Help With NIN Name Correction

Use Ufriends when you want a guided way to prepare and submit a NIN modification request and track it from one dashboard. Before paying, confirm the current service fee, required documents, expected review process, and refund terms on the NIN modification service page. Ufriends assists with submission; NIMC remains responsible for approving and updating the national identity record.

A good conversion path should not pressure you to pay before you know whether your documents are suitable. Compare the proposed name with your affidavit, newspaper extract, marriage certificate, and government ID first. If they conflict, correct the evidence before starting. If they agree, create an account, open Manual Services, select the appropriate name correction, review the displayed price, and submit only through the secure dashboard.

NIN Name Correction Questions

• Can one misspelled letter be corrected? Yes. Use an accepted identity document showing the correct spelling and enter the complete final name carefully.
• Will a name correction give me a new NIN? No. NIMC identifies the NIN itself as non-updatable; an approved correction changes the demographic record attached to the same number.
• Should I change my NIN or BVN first? Correct whichever record conflicts with your strongest legal evidence. Do not change an accurate record merely to match an inaccurate one.
• Can another person complete the request? The NIN holder should control the request and any identity verification. Never disclose a portal password or OTP to an agent.
• What should I update after approval? Download a new NIN slip, then ask affected banks, telecom providers, schools, employers, or pension administrators to revalidate the updated record.

Requirements can change. Confirm them on NIMC's Self-Service Modifications page, its adult modification guidance, and the portal access advisory before submitting.