Everything you Need to know About NIN in Nigeria 2024

The requirements for NIN registration remain the same today. Well, the National Identification Number (NIN) has become very important in recent years as it plays a key role in various government initiatives, mainly for improving security and service delivery.

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) was created in 2010 after the National Assembly passed the NIMC Act in 2007.

This commission is responsible for managing the National Identity Database. Before NIMC, the Department of National Civic Registration (DNCR) handled identity matters, but all its responsibilities were transferred to NIMC.

In this article, we will explain registration requirements for NIN and every other thing you need to know about NIN.

What is an NIN?

The NIN is a unique number you will get when you go to register with NIMC. It is just 11 digits.

The registration process involves capturing your personal details like fingerprints, a headshot, and your digital signature.

There are certain requirements you must meet before you register for your NIN.

They will check the information you provide against existing records to ensure there’s no duplication.

Once verified, your details are stored in the database with your NIN, which is yours for life. It can’t be reused, even if you pass away.

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

Why an NIN?

According to the NIMC, The NIN is necessary for several reasons:

• It helps to streamline the national identity database.
• It discourages people from having multiple identities.
• It prevents identity fraud.
• It serves as a lifetime identification for all citizens and legal residents.

What Can your NIN be Used for in Nigeria?

You can use your NIN for various important activities, such as:

• Getting your National e-ID card.
• Applying for an international passport.
• Opening a bank account.
• Obtaining a driver’s license.
• Registering to vote.
• Enrolling in the National Health Insurance Scheme.
• Paying taxes.
• Accessing government services and social security benefits.
• Land transactions.
• Any other activity NIMC may prescribe.

See also: A Comprehensive Guide on How to Link NIN to Bank Account

Who Needs to Register for NIN?

Every Nigerian citizen and legal resident must register for NIN. You can register at any age, even from birth.

However, children under 16 will only get their NIN slip, not the ID card, until they turn 16.

How Much Does NIN Enrolment Cost?

It is completely free to do NIN registration in Nigeria. You do not have to pay any fee for enrolment.

NIN Registration for Adults in Nigeria

There are two ways to register:

Method 1: Assisted Service (In-Person Registration)

Visit an accredited registration center with a valid ID, fill out the NIN form, and complete the process with the help of a registration officer who will capture your biometrics.

Method 2: Self-Service (Online Pre-Enrolment)

You can start the process online by filling out the form on the NIMC website. After that, print the summary sheet and visit a registration center to complete the biometric capturing.

See also: How to Link Your NIN to Access Bank Account 

Requirements for NIN Registration

Among the requirements for NIN registration in Nigeria is providing supporting documents.

Supporting documents include:

• 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

Process for Capturing Applicants of 16 years and Above (Adult Enrolment):

When you walk into the enrollment center, you’ll need to bring a supporting document with you.

The first thing that will happen is a check to see if you’ve already enrolled before. They will confirm this by checking through the NIN verification portal.

If you haven’t enrolled before, you’ll be given a form to fill out. But if you used the pre-enrollment service online, you’ll need to hand in your printed barcode slip instead.

A NIMC official will then review your form to make sure the information matches your supporting document and that there are no mistakes.

If you can’t read or write, it’s important to bring someone with you who can help fill out the form.

Next, a NIMC enrollment officer will enter your information into their system. If you have a barcode slip, they’ll scan it to automatically fill in the required fields.

You’ll then be asked to double-check your information on a monitor to make sure everything is correct.

Once you’re happy with it, the officer will capture your biometrics, which includes taking your fingerprints and a photo.

After the enrollment is done, you’ll receive a Transaction ID Slip. This slip is just proof that the transaction took place; it doesn’t mean you have your National Identification Number (NIN) yet.

They will ask you to return to the center within 1 to 5 working days to pick up your NIN, depending on network availability, authentication, and verification.

Once your NIN is processed, you’ll get a NIN slip. Your National e-ID card will be ready within 12 months after you receive your NIN, provided there are no unexpected delays.

How to Enroll Minors (0-15 years) for NIN

For minors, the enrollment process is almost the same as for adults, but they must have a parent or guardian with them.

The additional NIN requirements include:

• The parent or guardian needs to submit their own NIN slip.
• If a guardian is enrolling the minor, they must provide proof of their guardianship.
• You’ll also need the minor’s birth certificate and an official age declaration.

See also: Latest Ways to Generate Virtual NIN in Nigeria 2024

How can People Outside Nigeria get their NIN?

In 2019, NIMC started a campaign to help Nigerians living abroad enroll in the National Identity Database and get their NIN. If you’re living outside Nigeria, you can register for your NIN through certain licensed NIMC partners.

Is NIN Enrolment also Free for Nigerians Abroad?

No, it isn’t free. The licensed partners cover the costs of setting up and running the enrollment process, so they charge a fee for their services. 

In what Countries are there Licensed Partners?

NIMC has published a list of all the countries where Nigerians living abroad can enroll for their NIN. Visit their website to see the list.

How can Foreigners with Work Permits and a SIM Enrol for NIN?

Foreign nationals who have legal residency in Nigeria can enroll for their NIN at any NIMC enrollment center, just like citizens. They need to follow the same steps.

How Long Does it Take to Get the NIN Slip?

According to NIMC, it usually takes between 1 to 5 working days after you complete your enrollment to get your NIN slip. However, this can vary depending on factors like network issues.

Should You Display Your NIN?

No, you should keep your NIN secure, just like you would with your ATM card number or PIN.

What Happens to a Person’s NIN After They Die?

When someone passes away, and their death is confirmed with a death certificate, their NIN is permanently removed from the database. It cannot be reused by anyone else.

See also: Latest on How to Link NIN to 9Mobile

How Many Times Can a Person Register for NIN?

You only need to register for your NIN once in your lifetime. After your NIN is assigned and your data is stored in the Automated Biometric Information System (ABIS), you shouldn’t enroll again. Trying to re-enroll is considered identity fraud and is a serious offense.

Where Are NIN Enrollment Centers (ERCs) Located in Nigeria?

There are enrollment centers in the capitals of all 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). You can also find accredited centers in various locations in Abuja and across all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country.

Is There a Deadline for NIN Enrollment?

No, there’s no deadline. You can enroll for your NIN at any time as long as you meet all requirements. However, the Commission advises eligible individuals to complete the process as soon as possible.

How Can You Retrieve Your NIN?

You have two options:

• Visit the nearest enrollment center and provide them with your phone number, date of birth, or fingerprints.
• Dial *346# on your phone using the number you registered with during enrollment. This service costs ₦20 and works on all mobile networks.

What to Do If You Lose Your NIN Slip?

If you lose your NIN slip or it gets stolen, you’ll need to follow these steps:

• Get a recent police report.
• Obtain an affidavit from the court for the loss of documents.
• Pay a fee of ₦500 through REMITA.
• Provide a photo ID.

Here’s how you can pay the ₦500 fee:

• Go to www.remita.net.
• Click on “Bills & Purchases” and then select “Pay Billers.”
• Fill in the necessary fields:
• For “Who do You want to Pay,” choose the National Identity Management Commission.
• For “Name of Service/Purpose,” select NIN Slip Re-issue.
• The “Amount to Pay” will automatically be set to ₦500.
• Enter your full name and phone number.
• Complete the “I am not a robot” reCAPTCHA and click “Verify.”
• Click “Submit” to go to the payment page.
• A new page with your Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) will appear—print this invoice.
• Choose your payment method and complete the payment.
• Finally, bring your Remita receipt along with the other required documents to any NIMC enrollment center to request a reprint of your NIN slip.

What Other Situations Might Require an NIN Reprint?

If your NIN slip is damaged, you’ll need to provide:

• Proof of the damaged slip
• Evidence that you’ve paid the ₦500 reprint fee
• If you need to change or update any information, you’ll have to submit:
• The transaction slip you received after making the modification
• Evidence of paying the fee of ₦500 for each data field changed (₦15,000 for changing your Date of Birth)

What NIN Details Can Be Modified or Corrected?

Not all of your NIN data can be changed. However, you can correct your NIN on the following details: 

• Names
• Date of Birth (can only be changed once in your lifetime)
• Addresses
• Phone number
• Place of Birth (State, LGA, and Country, if not Nigeria)
• Place of Origin (State, Town, Village, LGA)
• Father’s NIN, Town, Village of Origin, State of Origin, LGA of Origin
• Mother’s NIN, Town, Village of Origin, State of Origin, LGA of Origin
• Each of these changes costs ₦500, except for the Date of Birth, which costs ₦15,000.

How Long Will the Modification Take?

The modification process usually takes between two to five working days, but it could take longer depending on network speed.

What Are the Mandatory Requirements Before Your Data Can Be Modified?

To modify your NIN data, you need to:

• Be physically present
• Submit the original copy of your initial NIN slip
• Provide your Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) Number if you paid at the bank, or a payment printout if you paid online
• Attach a signed application letter
• Submit any necessary supporting documents

Will Your NIN Change If You Reprint the Slip?

No, your NIN will remain the same even if you get a new slip.

How Can You Check Your NIN?

You can check your NIN number using the following methods:

• USSD code
• NIMC website
• Visit the nearest Enrollment Center
• Use the NIMC app

What Is the New NIMC Multipurpose ID Card?

NIMC has recently introduced a new multipurpose National ID card. This card can be used not only for identity verification but also for making payments and accessing government services across multiple Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

NIMC hasn’t announced the exact date when the new card will be available, but here’s how you can apply for it:

• Visit your nearest bank or a bank-approved center and request the payment card layered on your identity.
• Submit your NIN for identity verification and proof that you’re at least 18 years old.
• The bank will then send your NIN to NIMC, where it will be verified and formatted appropriately.
• The bank will use this verified data to create the standard Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV) data for the multipurpose card, after which the card will be personalized and printed.
• Finally, the bank will issue the finished card to you.

See also: Latest on How to Link your NIN to Airtel

Does the New NIMC Multipurpose ID Expire?

The identity part of the card will show the date it was issued on the back, but it won’t have an expiration date. However, the payment feature on the card will have an expiration date, which will be printed on the front.

What Should You Do When the Payment Feature Expires?

You have two options:

• Go to your bank and request a new payment card layered on the multipurpose card.
• Ask your bank for a separate payment card.

Will the NIN Be Displayed on the Multipurpose Card?

No, your NIN won’t be visible on the card. However, you can retrieve it by scanning the QR code on the card.

What Is SIM-NIN Linkage?

SIM-NIN linkage is a government-approved process where your NIN is linked to your mobile phone number to verify that you are the owner of the SIM card. This is part of an ongoing collaboration between NIMC and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Note: New telecom subscribers are required to provide their NIN when they register a new SIM card.

Can the Linkage Work If the SIM Registration and NIN Enrollment Information Don’t Match?

No, your NIN won’t be linked to your SIM card if the details you gave to your service provider during SIM registration don’t match the information in your NIN.

Why Should You Link Your NIN to Your SIM Card?

The Nigerian government uses the SIM-NIN linkage to:

• Validate SIM card registration records, turning them into a valid digital identity
• Prevent identity fraud and other online crimes
• Improve national security
• Support and measure economic planning and development
• Establish customer identity for Know Your Customer (KYC) initiatives

See also: 5 Easy Ways to Check Your NIN Number in Nigeria

Can You Delink Your NIN from a SIM?

Yes, you can. Just dial *996# and follow the instructions.

How Can You Check If a SIM Has Been Linked to Your NIN?

You can dial *996# and follow the instructions; it’s free.

How Many SIMs Can You Link to Your NIN?

According to the NCC, you can register up to four SIM cards per network provider. However, you can link all your SIM cards. You can link up to seven phone numbers to one NIN, not including SIMs you use in your IoT (Internet of Things) devices.

See also: Latest Ways to Link NIN with your Major Bank Account 2024

FAQs

Conclusion

Every Nigerian needs to understand how the NIN works in 2024. It’s not just a unique identifier but a key to accessing numerous services and ensuring your digital identity is secure. From free enrollment to the lifelong validity of the NIN, knowing the process and requirements helps you stay informed and compliant with national regulations.

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References

• Nimc.gov.ng – What is NIN?
• Techpoint.africa – Everything you need to know about NIN in Nigeria
• Nimc.gov.ng – Requirements for NIN Registration for Adults

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