How to Unblock NIN-barred Sim Cards in 2025 (MTN, Glo, Airtel and 9Mobile)

It starts with a missed call… then you try to dial out, but nothing happens. No network. No data. Just silence. That’s when it hits you—your SIM card has been barred because your NIN (National Identification Number) is not linked or verified. In 2025, this has become a common issue across major networks like MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9Mobile in Nigeria.

If you’re stuck with a blocked SIM and can’t make calls, send messages, or browse the internet, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many people are facing the same issue. The good news? There’s a simple way to fix it.

This guide will walk you through how to unblock NIN-barred SIM cards in 2025 step by step, no matter your network. Whether you haven’t linked your NIN, made a mistake during registration, or just need help verifying your line, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s get you reconnected in no time!

Why Did the Federal Government Block My SIM Card?

Even though the cause is now well known, some people still continue to have doubts. Your SIM card was blocked by the federal government because it was not connected to your NIN.

National identification numbers are the simplest and most efficient means of tracking someone, particularly in cases involving online issues.

In response to the recent rise in the nation’s rate of insecurity, the federal government has taken the necessary action and blocked any SIM card that isn’t linked to a national identity number.

There will be serious repercussions if you fail to link your SIM card to your NIN. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) wants all telecom providers to stop accepting SIM cards that aren’t linked to NIN.

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What is Required for NIN Registration in 2025?

The steps listed below show you all you need to know for your NIN registration in Nigeria in 2025:

• Visit the National Identity Management Commission’s (NIMC) closest office or approved NIN registration location. You can locate the nearest center by checking the NIMC website or giving the NIMC contact center a call.
• Assemble the necessary documentation: To apply for a NIN registration, you must provide proof of identity and age. This could be a valid identity document from the government, like a driver’s license, international passport, or birth certificate.
• The complete NIN registration form: You will receive a NIN registration form from the NIMC, which you need to fill out. This form will ask for your name, birthdate, contact details, and other details.
• Once the NIN registration form is filled out, you will need to provide biometric data, including your fingerprints and photo. These details will be used to verify your identity, after which a NIN will be created.
• Wait for your NIN: Follow up with the NIMC’s processing of your NIN registration, you will receive an email or SMS containing your NIN. Visit the NIMC website or give the NIMC contact center a call to find out the status of your application if it takes longer than a few days for you to receive your NIN.

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How to Unblock Your NIN-barred Sim Card in 2025

Step 1: Retrieve your NIN.

You must have your National Identification Number (NIN) in order to link it to your SIM. You can obtain your NIN if you don’t know it by going to any nearby NIMC office. Alternatively, you can use *346# on your phone to get it on your own.

Step 2: Link your SIM and NIN

You can use the NIMC Mobile ID App or the USSD code that your mobile network has provided to link your NIN to your phone number(s), if you have one.

Also read: How to Change or Correct your NIN Details with the 2025 NIMC Self Service

How to Unblock Your NIN-barred Sim Card using the NIMC mobile app in 2025

You must first download the NIMC mobile app in order to link your NIN to your phone number. Log in with your NIN. Then take these actions:

• On the app, tap the “My Devices” icon located in the lower right corner of your dashboard. 
• Enter the mobile number you want to link by tapping on “Add Mobile Number.” 
• Enter the OTP that was sent to that mobile number. Up to seven (7) mobile phone numbers can be linked.

How to Unblock Your NIN-barred Sim Card (MTN, Glo, Airtel and 9mobile) using USSD codes in 2025

The USSD code is the best option if you’re looking for a quick and simple way to link your National Identification Number (NIN) to your blocked SIM card. 

You can link your NIN using this way without having to fill out any forms or stand in a queue for a long time.

Using the USSD code approach has the benefit of being available 24/7, allowing you to link your NIN to your blocked SIM card any time of day.

You can now use either of the following USSD codes to unblock your NIN-barred SIM card, depending on which mobile network carrier you want to use.

1. For MTN Users

If you want to unblock your SIM, dial *785# on your phone with the affected MTN NIN-barred SIM card if you use MTN Mobile. Then, follow the instructions and enter your 11-digit NIN when asked.

Your NIN will be immediately submitted for linking, though, if you only dial *785*YOUR_NIN# straight from the phone number you wish to link.

Or, you can use this site on your computer or mobile device to connect your NIN to your SIM card: https://mtnonline.com/nin/ Your name, email address, MTN number, and NIN would be required to be submitted. Fill out and submit the form.

After you’ve linked your NIN to your blocked SIM card, wait for a SMS from MTN.

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2. For Glo Users

If you want to unblock your NIN-barred SIM card on Glo, dial *109*YOUR_NIN# or *109#  if you are using a GLO SIM card. When Glo has successfully linked your NIN to your SIM cards, wait for a confirmation SMS from them

3. For Airtel Users

When trying to unblock your NIN-barred sim card on the Airtel network dial *121# on the Airtel SIM card you want to link to your NIN.

• To submit your “NIN Capture,” press 1 and press OK.
• Enter your 11-digit NIN and then submit.
• When they’ve successfully linked your NIN to your Airtel SIM cards, you will get a SMS from Airtel.

4. For 9Mobile Users

Using the 9mobile phone, dial *996#, three alternatives will appear on a menu that you see:

• Verify the status of NIN connectivity.
• LINK NIN
• Find out about NIN enrollment.

Press “Send” after selecting the desired choice and entering the matching number. Option 2 will ask you your 11-digit NIN; enter it there. Kindly enter it and click “Send.”

An acknowledgement message will be sent to you. Your NIN will be connected or unlinked depending on what it says. After 9mobile has successfully linked your NIN to your SIM cards, wait for an SMS from them.

You can check the status of your blocked SIM card’s linking to the NIN on 9Mobile by dialing *346#.

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How to Unblock Your NIN-barred Sim Card by visiting the provider service center 

The staff at any network provider’s service centre can help you connect your NIN to your SIM card.

 If the USSD code method isn’t working for you, here’s another option to think about.

It’s crucial to remember that while personally visiting the service center may lengthen the procedure, it offers a dependable way to connect your NIN to your SIM card that has been blocked.

When visiting a service centre, you could run across issues like lengthy waits, particularly during busy times, and the requirement to present legitimate identity in order to speed up the procedure.

To guarantee that the procedure goes as smoothly as possible, the service center’s staff are trained to offer support.

You will still have continuous access to their services once your NIN has been connected to your blocked SIM card.

Why is it Important To Link Your NIN to your blocked SIM Card in 2025

The government has ordered that you link your NIN to your SIM card in order to improve service provision and strengthen national security. 

This is why it is crucial. The goal of this strategy is to combat crimes such as terrorism and fraud. Every mobile number’s identity is confirmed by your NIN. 

This facilitates the tracking and suppression of criminal activity by law enforcement. It also prevents unauthorized usage of your mobile number. 

It ensures constant access to necessary services. Certain services, like government and banking services, demand identification verification. 

Compliance is adhering to rules in order to stay out of trouble. It also aims to make Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure safer, more secure, and more effective.

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FAQs

Conclusion 

Assuring the safety and security of your mobile phone usage in Nigeria has been much easier with the connection of your SIM card to your NIN.

Your blocked SIM card can is now fully activated and regained access to premium services like text messaging, voice calls, and data bundles.

Follow us on X(formerly Twitter), @SiliconAfriTech for more informative updates.

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