For some time now, telecommunication companies (MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9Mobile) have been urging their users to link their National Identity Number (NIN) to their phone numbers. If you can’t remember yours, your SIM card will be blocked. Here’s how to check your NIN number on MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9mobile, and online.

What is NIN, and how does it work?

The National Identity Number (NIN) is one of the means of identification in Nigeria. It is a set of 11 non-intelligible numbers assigned to a Nigerian after successful enrolment.

Before you can get your NIN, your demographic data, ten fingerprints, head-to-shoulder facial images, and digital signature will be collected and recorded to the NIMC database.

So how will it be stored? How will your bio-data be retrieved each time it’s needed? Will you need to visit NIMC head office?

No!

That’s where the National Identity Number (NIN) comes in. Whenever your Bio-data is to be stored for the first time, an 11-digit code will be assigned to it.

Once this code has been assigned to you, no one else can claim it. You’ve been verified for life and even in death.

What do I need NIN for?

Generally, you can use your NIN for anything that requires identity verification. You can also use your NIN for:

obtaining your National e-ID card
travel (international passport application & acquisition)
opening personal bank accounts
getting your driver’s license
obtaining your Permanent Voters’ Card
participating in the National Health Insurance Scheme
payment of your taxes
transactions related to your contributory pension scheme
access to welfare and other relevant services from the Nigerian Government
transactions with social security implications
land transactions subject to the Land Use Act

How can I get my National Identity Number (NIN)?

Visit any of the NIMC enrolment centres near you and bring a supporting document along. Your details will be cross-checked on the NIN verification portal to be sure you haven’t done your NIN before.

If not, then you will proceed with the registration. If yes, you can’t be given another NIN. In that case, your old NIN will be retrieved for you. Note that all these processes are free. You’re not to pay a dime, except for printing and lamination, which is usually ₦100 or less.

Documents required to register your NIN

There are not many requirements. If you’re 16 years or older, you can visit any NIMC enrolment centre. Take your Bank Verification Number (BVN) and any of these documents with you:

Old National ID Card
Driver’s License
Voter’s card (Temporary or Permanent)
Nigerian International passport
Certificate of Origin
Attestation letter from a prominent ruler in your community
Birth certificate
Declaration of age
Attestation letter from religious/traditional leader
NHIS ID card
Government staff ID card
Registered/recognized private organization staff ID card
School ID Card (private/public)
Tax Clearance certificate
Valid immigration documents
Nigerian Commission for Refugees (NCFR) Refugee Certificate
Refugee ID card
Refugee Factsheet

Learn more about NIN enrolment for people older than 16 years

How to check my NIN number on MTN

Launch the dialer app on your mobile phone
Press *346# and dial the code
A menu will be displayed on your device. Press 1 to select the first option “NIN Retrieval”
On the next page, you will be notified that the service will cost you ₦20. It will be deducted from your airtime balance
If you have up to ₦20 on your SIM card, click 1 to continue
On the next page, you will be told that your request is being processed

How to check your NIN number on Airtel SIM

Launch the dialer app on your mobile phone
Press *346# and dial the code
A menu will be displayed on your device. Press 1 to select the first option “NIN Retrieval”
On the next page, you will be notified that the service will cost you ₦20. It will be deducted from your airtime balance
If you have up to ₦20 on your SIM card, click 1 to continue
On the next page, you will be told that your request is being processed

How to check NIN number on GLO network

Launch the dialer app on your mobile phone
Press *346# and dial the code
A menu will be displayed on your device. Press 1 to select the first option “NIN Retrieval”
On the next page, you will be notified that the service will cost you ₦20. It will be deducted from your airtime balance
If you have up to ₦20 on your SIM card, click 1 to continue
On the next page, you will be told that your request is being processed

How to check your NIN number on 9mobile

Launch the dialer app on your mobile phone
Press *346# and dial the code
A menu will be displayed on your device. Press 1 to select the first option “NIN Retrieval”
On the next page, you will be notified that the service will cost you ₦20. It will be deducted from your airtime balance
If you have up to ₦20 on your SIM card, click 1 to continue
On the next page, you will be told that your request is being processed

Bonus: How to Link your NIN to MTN, Glo, Airtel and 9Mobile

How to Link your NIN to your MTN number

1. MTN USSD code

Launch the dialer app on your mobile phone
Dial *785#
On the next page, some options will be displayed. Input 1 to select the first option
Input the 11 digits NIN and follow the prompts
You will be notified if the linking is successful or not

2. MTN online method

Visit https://nin.mtn.ng/ on a web browser
You will be taken to the MTN NIN Information Center where you can do everything related to NIN

3. MyMTN app

Download the MyMTN app and link your NIN to your MTN number through it.

4. Send a text to 785

Text NIN-your 11-digit NIN to 785 and send it.

How to Link your NIN to your Airtel number

Launch the dialer app on your mobile phone
Dial *121*1#
Input 1 to select the option for “NIN Capture” and then send
On the next page, input your 11-digit NIN and follow the prompts

How to Link your NIN to your Glo number

Launch the messaging app on your mobile phone
Click on send message
Input 109 as the phone number of the recipient
Input the following: UpdateNIN (put space) NIN (put space) First name (put space) and Last Name
Click on the send button

Alternatively, you can visit GLO NIN online centre.

How to Link your NIN to your 9Mobile number