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NIN USSD Code: How to Check Your NIN Using USSD Codes and Online

NIN USSD Code: How to Check Your NIN Using USSD Codes and Online

If you are here, it means you want to learn about the NIN USSD code or other means of checking the NIN. But before we delve into that, what is the NIN, and why is it important?

In August 2014, former President Jonathan Goodluck introduced the Nigerian National Identity scheme.

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) designed the scheme to provide official records of Nigerians aged 16 and older.

Upon registration with NIMC, Nigerians are issued a number by which they are identified in the government database. This is known as your National Identity Number (NIN). They also issued a National Identity card.

Today, there is a USSD code for NIN. This system is designed to help Nigerians registered under the NIMC check their NIN using their mobile phones. 

In this guide, we explore how to use USSD to check NIN and other online methods.

Table of contents

What is NIN USSD Code? 

Have you ever been asked to send your NIN urgently? 

You have it; you did the registration just a few weeks ago. 

But the slip is at home, and you just stepped out of the house. Your only option is to go back home to get the slip. Stressful, right? 

The USSD code for NIN was designed to solve this problem. 

The USSD for NIN is a one-dial code—*346#—by which Nigerians can access their NIN immediately and without stress.

Also read: TAJ Bank USSD Code for Airtime, Transfer, & Mobile Banking

Features of USSD Code for NIN

Below are some common features of the USSD code for NIN: 

  • You will be charged N20 from your credit to use USSD for NIN.
  • You must register under NIMC before you are given an NIN. If you are yet to register, no NIN will be displayed when you use the USSD code for NIN.
  • For swift transactions, your mobile network must be fast and stable.
  • You do not need mobile data to use USSD for NIN.
  • Transactions can be made anywhere in the world with the USSD code for NIN.

NIN USSD Code for MTN and Other Mobile Networks in Nigeria

All the major network providers in Nigeria use the same USSD for NIN retrieval: 

  • MTN: *346#
  • 9mobile: *346#
  • Glo: *346#
  • Airtel: *346#

This uniform USSD for NIN is easy for Nigerians to remember, even when switching networks. 

Also read: DStv USSD Code: How To Pay DStv Subscription Using USSD

NIN USSD Code Usage 

Just like dialing a code to buy airtime from your bank or check your MTN account balance, so when using USSD to check NIN.  

USSD for NIN is easy and fast on all networks and does not require mobile data. This makes it even more accessible and suitable when you run out of data. 

How to Use USSD to Check NIN on any Mobile Network in Nigeria 

Follow the simple steps below to use USSD to check NIN: 

  1. Dial *346# on any network 
  2. Click on “1 – NIN Retrieval” from the pop-up menu
  3. Confirm that you accept the service charge of ₦20. 
  4. View your NIN as displayed on your screen.

How to Check NIN Online 

Aside from using USSD to check NIN, you can also check online. 

Follow the steps below to view your NIN online: 

  1. Download the NIMC Mobile App on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
  2. Install and open the App
  3. Click “I need a pin”
  4. Get Your User ID and OTP
  5. Open the NIMC online portal 
  6. Input the ID and OTP provided on the App to view your NIN slip
  7. You can reprint the NIN slip if necessary

Also read: Fidelity USSD Code for Airtime, Transfer, & Mobile Banking

After getting your NIN, you must link it to all your mobile numbers. 

You can do this in four (4) different ways: 

  1. USSD code for NIN.
  2. Visit https://nin.mtn.ng.
  3. MyMTN App. To download the app, text ‘MYMTN’ to 5018.
  4. Send “NIN-your NIN” to 996 via text, e.g.: NIN-22346389799.

After initiating the process through any of these methods, you will receive a confirmation message from MTN. 

Once your NIN is verified, it will be linked to your MTN SIM, and another confirmation message will be sent. 

If there is any issue with the verification process, you may need to visit an MTN center. To avoid such issues, make sure your MTN SIM is registered.

Customers usually prefer to link their NIN to their MTN SIM through USSD.

Follow the steps below to use the USSD code to link NIN to MTN:

  1. Dial *996*yourNIN#.
  2. Confirm that you want MTN to access your NIN details.
  3. Wait for a message from MTN confirming that the verification process is underway. 
  4. Wait for a message confirming whether the verification process was successful or not. This should be sent within 5 to 10 minutes. 

Also read: Unity Bank USSD Code for Airtime, Transfer, & Mobile Banking

USSD Code to Check VNIN on MTN

The NIMC developed the VNIN as a system to create a tokenized version of the NIN. 

Its purpose is to secure your NIN from security threats. 

It is a one-time 16-digit alphanumeric token, valid for 72 hours only.

To check your VNIN, you must first have your NIN handy. 

Once you have your NIN, follow the steps below:

  1. Dial *346#
  2. Select “3” and send
  3. Input your NIN and send
  4. Enter MTN’s Enterprise ID – 109071
  5. View your VNIN on the pop-up, and as a text message. 

The process is the same for all mobile networks in Nigeria.

Please note that if you have not yet registered under NIMC, or are yet to get your NIN, you will be unable to generate a VNIN. Your VNIN is generated from your NIN.

After getting your NIN, you must link it to your Airtel mobile number(s). 

You can do this in four (4) different ways: 

  1. USSD code for NIN
  2. Airtel app
  3. Visit www.airtel.com.ng/nin and follow the given steps
  4. Airtel store 

After initiating the process through any of these methods, you will receive a confirmation message from Airtel. 

Once your NIN is verified, it will be linked to your Airtel SIM, and another confirmation message will be sent. 

If there is any issue with the verification process, you may need to visit an Airtel center. Register your Airtel SIM to avoid such issues.

Follow the steps below to use the USSD code to link NIN to Airtel:

  1. Generate your VNIN by dialing *346*3*NIN*121097#.
  2. Dial *996#
  3. Input your VNIN
  4. Confirm that you want Airtel to access your NIN details
  5. Wait for a message from Airtel, confirming that the verification process is underway. 
  6. Wait for a message confirming whether the verification process was successful or not. 

Advantages of USSD Code for NIN

The NIN USSD code Nigeria boasts of the following benefits: 

  • It is fast; with a stable mobile network, it takes an average of 20 seconds to complete any transaction using the NIN USSD code.
  • You can access the NIN USSD code from anywhere in the world 
  • You do not need mobile data to access services via the NIN USSD code 
  • The NIN USSD code is accessible 24/7
  • The NIN USSD code is easy to navigate 

How to Check if Your NIN Card is Ready

To confirm if your National identity card or NIN card is ready, follow the steps below: 

  1. Open the NIMC website
  2. Scroll to the ‘e-ID Card Status Portal’
  3. Input your name
  4. Input your NIMC tracking ID
  5. Click “Check Now”
  6. View your NIMC ID card status and collection center. 

Also read: Kuda USSD Code for Airtime, Transfer, & Mobile Banking

Common Issues and Solutions on NIN USSD Code

Are you facing challenges with the USSD code for NIN? 

Here are some solutions to some common challenges that Nigerians usually face while accessing their NIN USSD service: 

Q: Which of my numbers do I link to my NIN if I have more than one phone number?

A: To avoid disconnection on any of the lines, you must link both to your NIN. You can use USSD to link NIN to MTN. There are also alternative methods on all networks in Nigeria. 

Q: Why can’t I see my NIN when I try to use USSD to check my NIN?

A: It could be that you are yet to register with NIMC. Please note that if you have not yet registered under NIMC, you cannot get NIN or VNIN.

Also read: Jaiz Bank USSD Code for Airtime, Transfer, & Mobile Banking

NIMC Customer Care Service Line

For more questions, you can contact NIMC customer service using any of the following options:

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the NIN USSD Code Come with a Service Charge? 

Yes. You will be charged N20 to view your NIN through the NIN USSD code.

How Do I Use the USSD Code to Link NIN to MTN? 

To use the USSD code to link NIN to MTN, dial *996*yourNIN#. Permit MTN to access your NIN details, then wait for a message from MTN, confirming that the verification process is underway. 

How Do I Use the USSD Code to Link NIN to Airtel?

To use the USSD code to link NIN to Airtel, you must first generate your VNIN by dialing *346*3*NIN*121097#. Next, dial *996# and input your VNIN. Permit Airtel to access your NIN details and wait for confirmation messages. 

Can I Get NIN on Behalf of My Spouse?

No. NIN is a personal ID that requires everyone to register personally.

Final Thoughts

The NIN USSD system allows Nigerians to access their NIN conveniently anytime and anywhere. 

With VNIN, you can also protect your actual NIN from being colonized or duplicated. 

The numbers may be too much, but they offer convenience and ease. You are just one dial away. 

For seamless access to other interesting reads, follow us on X or Twitter, @SiliconAfriTech.

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References 

Oluwajuwon Oladiti
Oluwajuwon Oladiti

Oladiti Oluwajuwon is an ardent reader and a voracious writer who is passionate about informing the public with first-hand, authentic information. His writing expertise has spanned over 5+ years, an odyssey that began in 2018. Over the years, he has crafted pieces across multiple domains, including religion, education, politics, and tech. There are two principles at the core of his writing: information must be genuine and accurate, and there is nothing erudite about speaking in terms people don't understand. While maintaining technicality, messages must be passed in a way that resonates with the readers.

Oluwajuwon is also a software engineer who specializes in backend development with Python, and he has an unwavering passion for music, pop genre especially.

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