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National Identification Number: How to get your NIN and Link Your Number

National Identification Number: How to get your NIN and Link Your Number

Due to the current situation in Nigeria, all citizens have been mandated to get their national identification number (nin); an instruction also followed to link all mobile numbers and important details to this identification number.

What is the national identification Number (NIN) ?

The National identification number is a unique identification number issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Why do I need a national identification number (NIN)?

Apart from the fact that this identification number must be linked to your mobile number, you need a NIN to apply for your International passport. Here in Nigeria, it’s important and compulsory to have a NIN because this identification number is required to enable the FG identify and account for all citizens.

How to get a national identification number (NIN)?

Step 1: Fill up the pre-enrolment form online, download, and print Pre-Enrollment Slip. ( you can fill up the slip from here pre-enrollment portal )

Step 2: walk into any NIMC registration center near you; the enrolment officer will guide you through the following process.

Step 3: The normal time frame for issuance of a National Identification Number (NIN) Slip is 2 to 3 working days from the time the biometric details are captured at enrolment centers. (Please note, you can get it before then and sometimes longer than that)

Please note: 

  • Applicants who cannot read or write should be accompanied by a literate individual who can do the form filling for them.
  • Minor applicants should be accompanied by parents/guardians who can fill out the form.
  • Minor applicants should only bring the original and valid birth certificates and NIN slip of one of the Nigerian Parents / Guardians.

What do I need to register for a national identification number (NIN)? 

While trying to get your national identification number, there are a couple of details you will need. Please note: you will not be needing all these documents, you only need 1 or 2 to register with, so go through them go see the ones you have available.

  1. Driver’s License
  2. Voter’s card (Temporary or Permanent)
  3. Certificate of Origin
  4. Attestation letter from a prominent ruler in your community
  5. Birth certificate
  6. Declaration of age
  7. Attestation letter from religious/traditional leader
  8. NHIS ID card
  9. Government staff ID card
  10. Registered/recognized private organization staff ID card
  11. School ID Card (private/public)
  12. Tax Clearance certificate

How to Retrieve NIN Using USSD

If you are already enrolled for the National Identification Number, you can follow these steps to check your NIN number on your mobile.

  • Open your phone dialler and dial *346#
  • Type ‘1’ to choose NIN Retrieval Option if you are dialing from the phone number you used in registering your NIN.
  • Type ‘2’ to choose NIN Search. If you have lost your number, you will be required to input some of your registration details
  • That’s all.

To link your national identification number to the mobile number, you need each network USSD or website link :

Link NIN to Airtel
  • dial *121*1# on your Airtel line to submit your NIN
  • Type 1 for “NIN Capture” and send.
  • Enter your 11-digit NIN and send.
  • Wait for the message confirming your submission. If you get an error, wait for some time and try again.
  • Or Visit the online registration link via www.airtel.com.ng/nin
Link NIN to 9Mobile
  • dial *200*8# on your 9Mobile line to submit your NIN
  • Type 1 for “NIN Capture” and send.
  • Enter your 11-digit NIN and send.
  • Wait for the message confirming your submission. If you get an error, wait for some time and try again.
  • Or Visit 9mobile.com.ng/nin
Link NIN to Glo
  • By SMS – type UPDATENIN followed by NIN number followed by Firstname followed by Lastname and send to 109, using the phone number you wish to link (e.g., UPDATENIN 01234012341 Adesola Pearls).
  • Or Visit the online registration portal via www.gloworld.com/ng/nin to fill in your information and link.
Link NIN to MTN
  • dial *785# on your MTN line to submit your NIN
  • Type 1 for “NIN Capture” and send.
  • Enter your 11-digit NIN and send.
  • Wait for the message confirming your submission. If you get an error, wait for some time and try again.
  • Or Visit the online registration portal via https://mtnonline.com/nin/ to fill in your information and link.

See also: HOW TO CONVERT AIRTIME TO CASH IN NIGERIA

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