The NIN has become more and more important as almost all government agencies now require it for one registration or the other.

Early this year, the Joint Admission and matriculation board (JAMB) announced that registration for the examination will now require candidates to input their NIN. JAMB is not the only agency asking for this number.

The Federal government recently directed all mobile network subscribers in the country to link or update their SIM with their National Identity Number (NIN). Other areas where the NIN is now required include registration of driver’s license, pension, payment of taxes, etc. The list is endless.

Do you want to get your NIN number? or maybe you just want to learn more about the NIN, then you are at the right place. This article contains everything you need to know about the National Identity Number.

What Is NIN

The NIN stands for National Identity Number, it is a unique 11 digit number that identifies each Nigerian and is issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Requirements For National Identity Number – NIN

To apply for NIN, the following data are required.

• You must be a Nigerian citizen
• Provide personal information like name, address, phone number, etc.
• Provide biometrics information like your fingerprint and passport photograph.

How To Register For NIN

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is the government agency that is responsible for the issuance of National Identity Number (NIN). To Register or apply for NIN,

• Visit the NIMC website at https://www.nimc.gov.ng and download the NIN Enrollment form.
• Fill all mandatory fields with the correct information
• Download and print your pre Enrollment Slip
• Visit the nearest NIN registration centre and submit your pre Enrollment Slip. (Note: if you are unable to get the enrollment form online, one will be given to you at the registration centre)
• At the enrollment centre, you will be directed to a counter where an enrollment officer will attend to you by verifying your application.
• If your application is correct and in order, the enrollment officer will proceed with the capture of biometrics data.
• After successful registration, a transaction ID slip will be issued to you as evidence of the transaction.

The transaction slip should be kept safe because it will be required at the time of collection of NIN Slip.

Note: NIN registration is completely free.

How To Register For NIN Online

Registration for National Identity Number NIN currently cannot be done online. Although to make the process easier and faster, those who wish to apply can fill a pre Enrollment form online on the NIMC portal. This form will still need to be taken to a government-approved NIN centre and submitted to an enrollment officer where the data will be verified and your biometrics data will be taken.

You can find a list of nin enrollment centres nationwide here

NIN Registration Centre Abroad

For Nigerians living in other countries, they can also Register for their NIN without visiting their home country. Click here to find approved NIMC Enrollment centre Abroad

How Long Does It Take To Get A National Identity Number – NIN

From the time of Registration for your National Identity Number (NIN), it usually takes about three days to get or print your NIN Slip with your unique National Identity Number.

How To Check Your NIN On Your Phone

If you have already registered for NIN but have forgotten your NIN number or lost your NIN slip. Then there is no need to panic.

You can still retrieve or check your NIN with your mobile phone from the comfort of your home. If you use any of the major mobile networks in Nigeria like MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile.

To retrieve or check your NIN, dial the USSD code *346# and your NIN will be displayed on your screen. This code works across all Mobile networks in Nigeria including MTN, Glo, 9mobile, and Airtel. The service cost N20 although the government has promised to remove this service fee.

Note: you must use the same number you use to enroll for your NIN to dial this code.