Cookie Policy
1. Introduction
The National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike (“NRCRI”, “the Institute”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) uses cookies and similar technologies on its website to support essential website functions, improve performance, enhance user experience, maintain security, and understand how visitors interact with our digital services.
This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we may use them, the types of cookies that may be placed on your device, and the choices available to you regarding their use.
This Policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, protect, and process personal information.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that a website may place on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or other internet-connected device when you visit a website.
Cookies allow a website to recognize a device and remember certain information about a visitor’s interaction with the website.
Cookies may be:
Session cookies, which are temporary and are normally deleted when you close your browser; or
Persistent cookies, which remain on your device for a defined period or until they are manually deleted.
Cookies may also be set directly by NRCRI or by authorized third-party service providers whose technologies are used on our website.
3. Why We Use Cookies
Depending on the website features and services available at a particular time, NRCRI may use cookies and similar technologies to:
Ensure that essential website functions operate correctly;
Maintain website security;
Remember user preferences;
Improve website navigation and functionality;
Understand how visitors interact with our website;
Monitor website performance;
Identify technical problems;
Improve website content and accessibility;
Generate aggregated website usage statistics;
Support online forms and other digital services; and
Improve the overall reliability and user experience of our website.
We do not use cookies for purposes that are incompatible with the purposes for which they were collected.
4. Types of Cookies We May Use
4.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly.
They may support functions such as:
Website security;
Page navigation;
Session management;
Form functionality;
Authentication where applicable;
Load balancing; and
Remembering essential privacy or cookie preferences.
Because these cookies are necessary for the operation and security of the website, they generally cannot be disabled through a website cookie-preference tool without affecting certain functionality.
4.2 Preference or Functional Cookies
Functional cookies allow the website to remember choices made by visitors and provide enhanced functionality.
For example, they may remember:
Language preferences;
Display preferences;
Previously selected settings;
Form-related preferences; or
Other user-selected website options.
These cookies are intended to make the website more convenient and personalized to use.
4.3 Analytics and Performance Cookies
Where analytics services are enabled, we may use analytics cookies to understand how visitors use the website.
These cookies may help us understand:
Which pages receive the most visits;
How visitors navigate through the website;
General website traffic patterns;
Website performance;
Technical errors;
General device and browser information; and
The effectiveness of website improvements.
Analytics information is generally used in aggregated or statistical form to help us improve the website and its services.
4.4 Security Cookies
Security-related cookies or similar technologies may be used to help protect the website against malicious activity, unauthorized access, automated abuse, fraud, and other security threats.
These technologies may assist in identifying unusual or potentially harmful activity and maintaining the integrity of our digital services.
4.5 Third-Party Cookies
Some features or services available through our website may be provided by third parties.
Where third-party services are used, those providers may place their own cookies or similar technologies on your device.
Examples may include technologies associated with:
Website analytics;
Embedded videos;
Maps;
Social-media content;
Document or publication viewers;
Security services;
Online forms; and
Other embedded or integrated digital services.
The use of third-party cookies is subject to the applicable terms and privacy practices of the relevant provider.
NRCRI does not sell personal information obtained through cookies.
5. Cookie Consent
Where applicable under Nigerian data-protection requirements, NRCRI may request your consent before placing or using non-essential cookies on your device.
Where a cookie-consent mechanism is provided, you may be presented with options to:
Accept applicable cookies;
Reject or decline non-essential cookies; or
Manage your cookie preferences.
Essential cookies may continue to operate where they are necessary for the secure and proper functioning of the website.
Your cookie preferences may be stored so that the website can remember your choices.
6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You may control or manage cookies in several ways.
Where NRCRI provides a cookie-preference tool, you may use it to manage available cookie categories.
You can also configure your web browser to:
Block cookies;
Delete existing cookies;
Notify you when cookies are being used; or
Restrict certain types of cookies.
The exact procedure varies depending on the browser and device you use.
Please note that disabling or deleting certain cookies may affect the functionality, security, or availability of some features of the website.
7. Browser Controls
Most modern web browsers allow you to manage cookies through their privacy or security settings.
Common options include:
Accepting all cookies;
Blocking all cookies;
Blocking third-party cookies;
Deleting cookies when the browser is closed;
Allowing cookies only from selected websites; and
Receiving notifications before cookies are stored.
Changing browser settings will generally affect other websites you visit as well.
8. Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers and devices may provide “Do Not Track” or similar privacy settings.
Because there is currently no universally consistent technical standard for interpreting such signals across all website technologies, our website may not respond to every such signal in the same manner.
Where applicable, we will continue to process information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data-protection requirements.
9. Cookies and Personal Information
Some cookies may collect information that can be associated with an individual or device.
Where cookie-related information constitutes personal data, NRCRI will process it in accordance with applicable data-protection requirements and our Privacy Policy.
We seek to ensure that information collected through cookies is:
Collected for legitimate and specified purposes;
Limited to what is reasonably necessary;
Protected through appropriate security measures; and
Retained only for as long as reasonably necessary or legally required.
10. Cookie Retention
The length of time a cookie remains on your device depends on its type and purpose.
Session cookies generally expire when you close your browser, while persistent cookies may remain for a defined period.
The retention period for individual cookies may depend on the technology or service associated with the cookie.
NRCRI may periodically review the cookies used on its website and remove or replace cookies that are no longer necessary.
11. Third-Party Services and External Websites
Our website may contain links, embedded content, applications, or services provided by third parties.
Examples may include external research resources, government services, social-media platforms, mapping services, video platforms, analytics providers, or other online resources.
When you interact with third-party content, those providers may use their own cookies or similar technologies.
NRCRI does not control the cookie practices of independent third parties. We recommend reviewing the relevant third party’s privacy and cookie policies before interacting with their services.
12. Cookies Used for Website Security
Certain cookies or similar technologies may be necessary to protect the website and its users.
Security technologies may help us:
Detect suspicious activity;
Prevent unauthorized access;
Protect forms and online services;
Limit automated abuse;
Detect malicious requests; and
Maintain the availability and integrity of the website.
These technologies may operate automatically where necessary to maintain website security.
13. Cookies Used for Website Analytics
Where analytics functionality is enabled, NRCRI may use cookies or similar technologies to obtain statistical information about website usage.
Such information may be used to determine:
The number of visitors;
General visitor behaviour;
Popular website content;
Website performance;
Technical issues;
General traffic sources; and
Areas where website improvements may be required.
Analytics information is intended primarily to support website administration, performance, planning, and improvement.
14. Social Media and Embedded Content
NRCRI may, where appropriate, provide links or embedded content from social-media platforms or other external services.
When such content is loaded or interacted with, the relevant third-party provider may collect information or place cookies on your device in accordance with its own policies.
Where practical, third-party content may be configured so that it does not load until a user chooses to interact with it or provide the necessary consent.
15. Children’s Privacy
Our website is not specifically directed toward children.
Where website services are used by children or where information relating to children is processed for a legitimate institutional purpose, NRCRI will take appropriate measures to protect such information in accordance with applicable Nigerian data-protection requirements.
16. Security of Cookie Information
NRCRI takes reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect information associated with cookies and similar technologies against unauthorized access, misuse, alteration, loss, or disclosure.
However, no online service can guarantee absolute security.
Users should ensure that their devices, browsers, operating systems, and security software are kept appropriately updated.
17. Changes to This Cookie Policy
NRCRI may periodically review and update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in:
Applicable legislation;
Regulatory requirements;
Website functionality;
Cookies and technologies used;
Third-party services;
Institutional practices; or
Data-protection requirements.
Any updated version will be published through appropriate institutional channels.
The “Last Updated” date at the beginning of this Policy indicates when it was most recently revised.
18. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding the use of cookies or similar technologies on the NRCRI website, you may contact the Institute through its official communication channels.
National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike
Km 8 Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road
Umuahia, Abia State
Nigeria
Email: info@nrcri.gov.ng
Telephone: 0816 387 9811
When contacting us about cookies, please provide sufficient information about your concern or request so that we can assist you appropriately.
19. Applicable Data-Protection Framework
This Cookie Policy is intended to operate alongside NRCRI’s Privacy Policy and shall be interpreted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations of the Federal Republic of Nigeria relating to privacy, data protection, information security, and electronic communications.
In particular, NRCRI seeks to comply with applicable requirements of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and relevant guidance issued by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, as amended or replaced from time to time.
20. Acknowledgement
By continuing to use the NRCRI website, you acknowledge that you have had the opportunity to review this Cookie Policy.
Where applicable law requires consent for the use of non-essential cookies, NRCRI will provide an appropriate mechanism through which users can provide, refuse, or manage such consent.