What you need to know about National Identification Number, how to check with USSD, and link to mobile lines
National Identification Number(NIN) was invented by the federal government of Nigeria through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) as a child of necessity.
The NIMC is a legal, regulatory and institutional mechanism that implements government’s reform initiative in the identity sector, this can be seen in the national policy and NIMC Act.
Why NIN?
The NIN is strictly an identity call for every Nigerian, as a Nigerian you are being identified by assigning an NIN to you, this can be possible however after successful enrolment on the commission’s data base.
Sequel to your identity, the National Identification Number shall be used for all transactions in Nigeria requiring identity verification.
Given this, you have the ability to use the NIN in the following arrangements,
- To obtain travel documents like the international passport, application and acquisition
- Opening a bank account on personal category
- Obtaining your driver’s license
- Permanent voter’s card
- You will have access to health like the NHIS
- It’s applicable in tax rendition and returns
- Applicable in your RSA with various PFAs in view of your pension fund contribution, etc.
Facts about NIN
- The NIN consists of 11-digit numbers
- NIN cannot be reassigned once assigned to a particular user
- In event of death, such NIN is retired upon provision of a death certificate to the commission
- The NIN is an identity check, all individual records are strictly tied to it
- Citizens and legal residence in Nigeria are entitled to NIN
Who can have access to the National Identification Number?
Like stated above, every citizen and legal residence of Nigeria shall be entitled to an NIN.
How and where to enroll
It’s required that you locate the nearest NIMC enrolment center with your BVN and any of the below
- Old national ID card
- Driver’s license
- Voter’s card
- International passport
- Certificate of origin
- Attestation letter
- NHIS ID card
- Tax clearance certificate, etc.
Read also: How to register for your voter’s card online
Re-issuance of NIN slip
There are instances where you either lose your National Identification Number slip or it got damaged, stole, or you wish to modify or change existing record, this is possible through re-issuance.
If this ticks the right boxes for you then here you have it.
Now see how to get your slip re-issued for various reasons
In the case of loss of NIN slip
You are required to make the following available,
- Police report
- Court affidavit for loss of documents
- Evidence of payment N500 to the commission on remita platform
- A photo ID
If it got damaged
- You will provide evidence of damaged NIN slip
- Evidence of payment of N500 on remita platform
In the case of theft
- A recent Police report
- Court affidavit for loss of document
- Evidence to have paid N500 on remita
- Photo ID
Should you want to change or modify your record
- Transaction slip issued after modification was carried out
- Evidence to have paid N500 per data field modified
Read this article on how to complete your payment on remita platform.
How to check your National Identification Number with USSD code
On 15th December 2020 the federal government of Nigeria through the commission mandated every Nigerian who has successfully obtain an NIN to link same with their phone numbers to further beef security layer of the nation in the face of numerous insecurity.
You are to do this or risk being disconnected, the telcos operating in the country have been mandated to embark on this exercise by providing links to accomplish this task.
It was observed in the heat of this moment that several users could neither trace their NIN slip nor the number itself, in the light of this USSD was birthed to enhance a seamless process.
Now follow the below guide to get your NIN
- Dial *346# from the registered phone line used during enrollment
- In the next slide select option “1” from the menu displayed and your NIN will be displayed on your screen.
Note: This operation comes with a service fee of N20 so ensure you have at least N20 on your phone before you carry out the operation.
Additionally, this service is available for MTN, GLO, Airtel, and 9Mobile subscribers.
How to link your NIN your mobile phone number
Linking to MTN line
- From your registered phone line on enrollment dial *785#
- In the next column input your “NIN” and click send
MTN will notify you of the receipt, subsequently you will be informed that the process has been completed successfully.
Linking to GLO line
- Send or type UpdateNIN your first name last name to 109
Note: Assuming your name is Raphael Orji, where Orji is the last/surname name, while your NIN is 12345678564
It should be thus; “UpdateNIN 12345678564 Raphael Orji to 109.
Hope that’s clear now? Good.
Linking Airtel line
- From your registered line dial *121*1#
- Type in your NIN in the column displayed
- Send, the linking will be completed.
Linking to 9Mobile
- Dial *200*8#
Alternatively
- Dial *996#
- Select option “2” to link your 11 digit NIN
- Select option “1” to confirm if your NIN has been successfully linked.
Conclusion
The National Identity Number is a necessity for every citizen, avail yourself the opportunity to have a unique identity as a proud Nigerian.
Did you find this guide helpful? Kindly share so others can read too.