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
- Launch the dialer app on your mobile phone
- Dial *2008*#
- Input your 11-digit NIN and follow the prompts
Alternatively, you can visit the 9mobile NIN verification centre.
