How to check NIN number is a big challenge for some individuals. However, worry not as this content is the solution
An identification number is used by the governments of many countries for tracking their citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents for work, taxation, government benefits, health care, and other governmentally-related purposes is commonly known as a national identity number.
In this article, we will be walking through the process of getting your NIN, validating it, and also linking it to your phone. So, read along.
Recommended for you
What is NIN (National Identification Number)?
Some governments require citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents from these countries to have a national identification number that can be used to track their needs for work, taxation, government benefits, health care, and other governmental functions.
The rules for this type of program can vary between countries, but citizens of most nations are typically issued an identification number once they turn legal age.
In Nigeria, citizens usually become eighteen years of age before registering for the Nigerian National Identification Number (NIN). The Nigerian National Identification Number (NIN) is issued by National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and it is made up of a group of digits (e.g. 187900235) used as identification by Nigerians of all ages and legal residents.
How to Apply for National Identity Number (NIN)
The Nigerian National Identification Number (NIN) is an 11-digit number used to identify citizens or legal residents of Nigeria. The purpose of this system was to curb fraud among the citizens of Nigeria, so every party involved was required by law to enroll their identification numbers in the National Identity Database (NIDB).
The unique numerical identifier (NIN) is as follows: It is chosen by chance, and you are then billed for an online registration process. To register without the pressure of having to go to a post office or filiation paper forms, this article will demonstrate how to complete the registration process online.
The most convenient, fastest, and easiest method to apply for your NIN registration online is by using the NIMC pre-enrolment portal. After you apply through the above portal, it is recommended that you place your order and have your documents ready.
You can find more information about the NIMC pre-enrolment portal by going to the website and following the instructions listed there.
On the website, you can decide either to download, print, and complete an enrollment form online, or complete the form directly online before printing.
You will need to proceed to a NIMC enrolment center after that. Moreover, you will likewise be able to schedule an appointment or speak to a center agent if you have questions about enrolling in a form.
Pre-enrolment Process
Follow these directions to register for the NIN online.
- Visit the NIMCs’ official website for information on pre-enrolment.
- Ask for all the critical information you’ll need to complete the application process on the pre-enrollment form.
- Print out a summary sheet that contains a 2D Barcode in it
- You also will need to take the sheet to a NIMC Data Capture and Processing Center once you have completed this process.
Currently, this procedure must be completed only once.
The NIN enrolment requires, in addition to your name and contact information, your demographic data, your fingerprints, your digital signature, and your head-to-shoulder facial image.
Required documents for NIN registration
Make sure you go to an NIMC enrollment center with these documents and information:
- BVN
- Valid Immigration documents
- Voter’s Card (Temporary and permanent are both accepted)
- Tax Clearance certificate
- Nigerian International Passport
- Staff ID card from a registered and recognized private organization
- Certificate of Origin
- Government staff ID card
- Attestation letter from a prominent community or religious ruler in your community
- Birth certificate or declaration of age
- NHIS ID card
How do I link my phone number to NIN?
- Link your NIMC Mobile ID app to your NIN using the Mobile Phone Number app.
- Log in to the app with your security PIN.
- To view the devices associated with your account, tap the ‘My Devices’ button on the bottom right corner of the dashboard on the app.
- To link a mobile phone number to your account, tap on ‘add mobile number’ and enter the phone number you want to use.
Once you have received your NIN and enrolled, you will need to link your phone number to your NIN to avoid it getting barred. All network providers in Nigeria, including MTN, Airtel, 9mobile, and GLO, require the linking of NIN.
Continue reading for a step-by-step guide on how to link your NIN to numbers and how to check NIN number from all network providers in Nigeria.
How to Link your National Identity Number (NIN) to MTN
For MTN subscribers, below is a listed step on how to link your NIN with your MTN phone number:
- Using the SIM you want to link, simply dial *785#, the supply your NIN following the prompt. You can also dial *785*NIN# and send.
- Send your National Identification Number through text message to 785
- Download the myMTN app, log in, and supply your NIN number directly.
- Visit MTN’s official website and supply your NIN directly
How to Link your National Identity Number (NIN) to Glo
For GLO subscribers, below is a listed step on how to link your NIN with your GLO phone number:
- Using the SIM you want to register, dial *109# you would be requested to provide your NIN. You can also simply dial *109*NIN#
- Visit Glo’s official website and provide your NIN details
- Lastly, you can send your National Identification Number through text message to 109.
How to Link your National Identity Number (NIN) to Airtel
For AIRTEL subscribers, below is a listed step on how to link your NIN with your AIRTEL phone number:
- Dial *121*1# on your phone number and supply your NIN. Lastly, click on the send button
- If you want to link your ODU digits and router/MiFi, visit Airtel’s official website to get their details and connect them
How to Link your National Identity Number (NIN) to 9mobile
9mobile subscribers can link their nin with their 9mobile phone number through any of the following methods:
- Dial *996# on the SIM you want to register and supply your NIN details
- Visit 9mobile’s official website and submit your NIN directly to get it linked
How to check NIN number on 9mobile, MTN, Airtel, and Glo
9mobile
- Open the call app on your phone.
- Dial the USSD code *346# using the 9mobile SIM on your phone
- You will see a list of options on your phone screen.
- Click “NIN Retrieval” among all listed options by tapping on “1”
- This inquiry usually cost N20 by your network provider.
- The charge for the inquiry will be deducted from your mobile airtime balance.
- After deducting your airtime, your NIN number will be displayed on your screen.
GLO
- Open the call app on your phone.
- Dial the USSD code *346# using the Glo SIM on your phone
- You will see a list of options on your phone screen.
- Click “NIN Retrieval” among all listed options by tapping on “1”
- This inquiry usually cost N20 by your network provider.
- The charge for the inquiry will be deducted from your mobile airtime balance.
- After deducting your airtime, your NIN number will be displayed on your screen.
MTN
- Open the call app on your phone.
- Dial the USSD code *346# using the MTN SIM on your phone
- You will see a list of options on your phone screen.
- Click “NIN Retrieval” among all listed options by tapping on “1”
- This inquiry usually cost N20 by your network provider.
- The charge for the inquiry will be deducted from your mobile airtime balance.
- After deducting your airtime, your NIN number will be displayed on your screen.
Airtel
- Open the call app on your phone.
- Dial the USSD code *346# using the Airtel SIM on your phone
- You will see a list of options on your phone screen.
- Click “NIN Retrieval” among all listed options by tapping on “1”
- This inquiry usually cost N20 by your network provider.
- The charge for the inquiry will be deducted from your mobile airtime balance.
- After deducting your airtime, your NIN number will be displayed on your screen.
Link using the NIMC Mobile App
Clearly, we have understood the steps on how to check NIN number on MTN, GLO, AIRTEL, and 9mobile. Let’s proceed to use the NIMC Mobile App.
Step 1: Download the NIMC MobileID’ App
To download the ‘mws: nimc mobile application, first go to the Google Play Store for Android devices or the App Store for iOS devices.
Step 2: Insert NIN and Phone number to proceed
To use the application, enter your NIN and phone number. You will receive an OTP on your phone to verify your identity. Note that this OTP will expire after one minute.
Step 3: Create your 6-digit PIN
After you have completed the previous step, you will need to create a 6-digit password or PIN. You will need this PIN every time you want to sign in to your NIMC mobile app dashboard.
Step 4: Link your phone number(s)
To add and validate phone numbers on your dashboard, select the ‘link my numbers’ option. Up to 7 mobile numbers can be added using this application, and an OTP is required to verify all numbers added.