NIN tokenization helps protect a person’s privacy by using a coded, encrypted version of the NIN instead of the real NIN in everyday transactions. This is called “disguising” the NIN. User IDs, QR codes, the Virtual NIN, and even the verification log details on the MWS Mobile ID app are all examples of NIN tokenization because they all hide the NIN of the user. They are called digital tokens because they are used to represent the NIN as a whole.
All a person has to do to get a service is show one of these tokens to an authorized vendor who needs to check the person’s identity. Then, the authorized vendor can connect safely to NIMC services to check the token. On its end, NIMC decrypts the token to check the NIN and other information, and then sends the results back to the vendor. The only thing the vendor can see is the token and the verification results from NIMC. Throughout the process, the NIN is kept secret from both the vendor and the vendor’s systems.
Read Also: How to Apply for National ID Online in Nigeria
Contents
The Virtual NIN
The MWS Mobile ID app from NIMC includes a feature that gives the user a Virtual NIN. This Virtual NIN is also a tokenized version of the person’s real NIN, which means that another party who checks the number cannot keep it and use it in a way that puts the person’s data privacy at risk.
It consists of a 16-digit set of alphanumeric characters. The Virtual NIN itself (not the NIN record it represents) expires 72 hours after being generated.
You can use the Virtual NIN to digitally verify your identity with a verifying agent or business that needs to confirm your identity before giving you a service (banks, airports, shopping delivery and so on).
How It Works via USSD
- To generate a Virtual NIN via USSD, dial *346*3*Your NIN*AgentCode#
- An SMS message will be sent back to you containing the Virtual NIN generated for you.
How It Works on the MWS Mobile App
- Open the MWS Mobile ID app that you already have on your device (Android or iOS). Make sure your phone or tablet has the latest version of the app installed or updated.
- On the lock screen, enter your PIN to continue.
- On the “Home” screen, click the “GET VIRTUAL NIN” button.
- Read the text that says “Enhanced Data Privacy.” This gives you a brief overview of why NIN tokenization is necessary.
- Then, click the “+” button in the bottom right corner of the screen to start the process of making a Virtual NIN for the enterprise that is verifying you.
- You can either scan the enterprise’s QR code or type in its ID by tapping on one of the options.
- You are given a Virtual NIN that you can only use with that verifying enterprise.
- Show the enterprise the Virtual NIN so they can check it.
- Get a message from the enterprise when the verification is done.
Benefits
- Data privacy is protected by making it harder for other people to get a person’s NIN.
- The token that is made is encrypted and completely unreadable, and it has nothing to do with the NIN.
- Only the person who has the NIN can issue it.
- Tokens that are made are only good for a certain amount of time.
- Virtual NIN tokens are made for a specific merchant. A token made for company A can’t be used by company B or checked by company B.