NCC Provide Answers To Frequently Asked Questions On NIN-SIM Linkage
Faith Ukanwa
Sep 30, 2021
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has provided detailed answers to questions frequently asked by Nigerians on the National Identification Number (NIN) and Subscribers Identification Module (SIM) linkage.
READ ALSO: FAILURE CANNOT BE HIDDEN UNDER THE GUISE OF EQUITY - FERDINAND EKEOMA
The NCC is the Independent National Regulatory Authority for the telecommunications Industry in Nigeria.
READ ALSO: How a Catholic Priest Slumped and Died While Delivering Homily in Delta Church
The Regulatory Body on its website, released answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the ongoing NIN and SIM linkage exercise which will elapse on October 31, 2021.
READ ALSO: ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER ATTACKED IN SOUTH AFRICA (VIDEO ATTACHED)
What is NIN?
READ ALSO: Pastor Sprays Pounds On Davido In A Club| WATCH VIDEO
NIN which stands for National Identity Number is the 11-digit number that uniquely identifies you either as a citizen of Nigeria, or as a foreigner legally resident in Nigeria. The NIN is issued upon enrolment by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). NIMC is the government agency responsible for identity management in Nigeria.
READ ALSO: Dancer Korra Obidi's Husband Set To Divorce Her After Childbirth |READ WHY
What is the purpose of the NIN?
READ ALSO: Ofuji Ndị Igbo Sets 2026 Agenda, Promises Greater Community Engagement
The NIN is a digital identity unique to the holder. It is used to match the individual with his or her biometrics (fingerprint and facial) data and other details in the National Identity Database. It is the most authentic way by which a citizen's identity can be verified and/or authentic
READ ALSO: "Ikwuano Locked Down For Alex Otti" - Monday Ubani SAN Sends Strong Message To Opposition
How do I obtain my NIN?
READ ALSO: Mother's Day: Abia Government Liaison Officer Honours Women, Says Mothers Shape Future Leaders
To get your NIN, you will need to register in any NIMC enrolment centre close to you. Please visit NIMC website www.nimc.gov.ng for a list of all enrolment centres.
READ ALSO: Court Finally Sacks ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu
Is it possible to register NIN online without visiting the registration centre?
READ ALSO: Bloodbath At Wedding: Bandits Kill 13, Abduct Many In Midnight Attack In Kaduna Community
NIMC has made arrangements for you to commence the enrolment process by first filling the enrolment form online. However, to complete the NIN registration process, you must visit an approved registration centre. This is because in addition to the capture of demographic information (e.g. your names, address, etc.), registration requires the physical capture of biometric data (your face and fingerprint). You therefore have to visit accredited enrolment centres for the capture of your full biometric data.
Can I obtain or update NIN for my Spouse, Relative, Friend or Boss?
READ ALSO: Actress Toyin Abraham Speaks On Reported Fight With Funke Akindele
No, you cannot. Everyone is to enrol for his or her NIN individually. It is a personal identity number which bears the biometrics of an individual, so no one can do the enrolment for another.
READ ALSO: FAILURE CANNOT BE HIDDEN UNDER THE GUISE OF EQUITY - FERDINAND EKEOMA
What should people who have not obtained their NIN do? How long can the process of obtaining a NIN take?
READ ALSO: How a Catholic Priest Slumped and Died While Delivering Homily in Delta Church
Individuals who do not have a NIN are to proceed to the nearest accredited NIN enrolment centres to enrol/register for NIN. NIMC has assured that it will generate the NIN within one to five working days after data capture is completed and all details verified - see more details of the process on the NIMC website at https://nimc.gov.ng/how-to-enrol-adults/ .
READ ALSO: ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER ATTACKED IN SOUTH AFRICA (VIDEO ATTACHED)
If I have enrolled before, how do I confirm my NIN?
READ ALSO: Pastor Sprays Pounds On Davido In A Club| WATCH VIDEO
You can confirm your NIN in two easy steps:
READ ALSO: Dancer Korra Obidi's Husband Set To Divorce Her After Childbirth |READ WHY
Check the slip issued to you by NIMC when you enrolled. Your NIN is the 11-digit number on the top left-hand corner of the slip; or
READ ALSO: Ofuji Ndị Igbo Sets 2026 Agenda, Promises Greater Community Engagement
Dial *346# on your phone and press 1 to retrieve your NIN. Please note that you can only retrieve your NIN on the same phone number you registered with NIMC.
READ ALSO: "Ikwuano Locked Down For Alex Otti" - Monday Ubani SAN Sends Strong Message To Opposition
Can the NIN only be obtained at NIMC's Offices?
READ ALSO: Mother's Day: Abia Government Liaison Officer Honours Women, Says Mothers Shape Future Leaders
Other government institutions, state governments and private companies have been approved by NIMC as Enrolment Centres to enrol citizens for the NIN. Mobile operators have also been licensed and will soon be carrying out the enrolment of their subscribers and other eligible citizens.
READ ALSO: Court Finally Sacks ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu
Are banks among the accredited establishments for issuance of NIN?
READ ALSO: Bloodbath At Wedding: Bandits Kill 13, Abduct Many In Midnight Attack In Kaduna Community
YES. Some banks have been licensed to carry out NIN enrolment; however, please note that only NIMC issues NIN although through accredited enrolment partners.
Is NIN automatically allocated to all BVN holders or must I register for and obtain NIN separately even though I already have a BVN?
READ ALSO: Actress Toyin Abraham Speaks On Reported Fight With Funke Akindele
BVN is being harmonized with NIMC, therefore some BVN holders have been automatically allocated NIN. BVN holders are advised to dial *346# with the mobile number linked to their BVN to confirm if they have been allocated a NIN. However, NINs generated via BVN must be verified and validated by NIMC.
READ ALSO: FAILURE CANNOT BE HIDDEN UNDER THE GUISE OF EQUITY - FERDINAND EKEOMA
Is the list of accredited registration agents circulating online genuine?
READ ALSO: How a Catholic Priest Slumped and Died While Delivering Homily in Delta Church
The Nigerian government recently licensed 173 Private Sector Agents and thirty (30) State Governments/Public Sector Institutions to conduct enrolment of all persons, including legal residents into the National Identity Database (NIDB) on behalf of NIMC. The authentic list is published on the NIMC website at;
READ ALSO: ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER ATTACKED IN SOUTH AFRICA (VIDEO ATTACHED)
https://nimc.gov.ng/public-notice-approved-data-capturing-agents-digital-identity-ecosystem/
READ ALSO: Pastor Sprays Pounds On Davido In A Club| WATCH VIDEO
Any list that does not emanate from NIMC is to be disregarded.
READ ALSO: Dancer Korra Obidi's Husband Set To Divorce Her After Childbirth |READ WHY
Which is the right organization to issue NIN?
READ ALSO: Ofuji Ndị Igbo Sets 2026 Agenda, Promises Greater Community Engagement
NIMC is the Identity Regulator of Nigeria and has sole authority and responsibility to issue NIN. However, NIMC has accredited other entities (such as those mentioned in Q11 above) as enrolment agents to facilitate the issuance of NIN to all eligible citizens in quick time.
READ ALSO: "Ikwuano Locked Down For Alex Otti" - Monday Ubani SAN Sends Strong Message To Opposition
How possible is it to carry out the NIN registration without breaching COVID-19 Protocols?
READ ALSO: Mother's Day: Abia Government Liaison Officer Honours Women, Says Mothers Shape Future Leaders
Appropriate measures are being put in place by NIMC in accredited enrolment centres, to ensure that COVID-19 protocols are strictly complied with to avoid further spread of the virus.
READ ALSO: Court Finally Sacks ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu
One of such measures is the licensing of over 200 entities to carry out the enrolment of citizens so that NIMC offices are not besieged by too many people.
READ ALSO: Bloodbath At Wedding: Bandits Kill 13, Abduct Many In Midnight Attack In Kaduna Community
In all circumstances, persons are strongly advised to take personal responsibility by strictly observing the COVID-19 Protocols (wearing face mask, keeping appropriate social distance, hand sanitizing etc).
Why am I being asked to submit my NIN to my Network provider?
READ ALSO: Actress Toyin Abraham Speaks On Reported Fight With Funke Akindele
By submitting your NIN to your mobile network provider your mobile number will be linked to your NIN, thereby providing a means of verifying your identity and safeguarding both your identity and mobile line.
READ ALSO: FAILURE CANNOT BE HIDDEN UNDER THE GUISE OF EQUITY - FERDINAND EKEOMA
What is the step by step approach for linking a SIM to NIN?
READ ALSO: How a Catholic Priest Slumped and Died While Delivering Homily in Delta Church
Confirm your NIN (by either checking your NIN enrolment slip issued by NIMC or dialling *346# as explained in Q.10 above.
READ ALSO: ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER ATTACKED IN SOUTH AFRICA (VIDEO ATTACHED)
Submit your NIN to your network provider(s) via the online, USSD or other channels provided.
READ ALSO: Pastor Sprays Pounds On Davido In A Club| WATCH VIDEO
Your Mobile Network provider will then validate the submitted NIN on NIMC database and link the SIM to NIN if validation is successful.
READ ALSO: Dancer Korra Obidi's Husband Set To Divorce Her After Childbirth |READ WHY
Is there a way people can find out their NIN without a slip, especially if the slip is lost or damaged?
READ ALSO: Ofuji Ndị Igbo Sets 2026 Agenda, Promises Greater Community Engagement
YES. Individuals who have done their NIN registration but have lost their slip, or are without a slip, can retrieve their NIN from NIMC by dialling USSD code *346# with the phone number that was provided to NIMC during their national identity registration.
READ ALSO: "Ikwuano Locked Down For Alex Otti" - Monday Ubani SAN Sends Strong Message To Opposition
Does *346# work on all networks?
READ ALSO: Mother's Day: Abia Government Liaison Officer Honours Women, Says Mothers Shape Future Leaders
YES, the USSD code works for all networks. However, if you have registered for a NIN and you keep getting an error message, please dial your service provider's help line. If you are yet to register for NIN please visit any NIMC Enrolment Centres (ERC) close to you to enrol or visit www.nimc.gov.ng for the list of all enrolment centres nationwide.
READ ALSO: Court Finally Sacks ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu
Is there an alternate USSD code for submitting NIN or linking SIM to NIN other than *346#?
READ ALSO: Bloodbath At Wedding: Bandits Kill 13, Abduct Many In Midnight Attack In Kaduna Community
Yes, you can use *996# and follow the steps to link NIN; or use *996*NIN# to submit NIN for linkage with SIM. The 996 code works across all networks.
Can the NIN be linked to SIM without the physical presence of the subscriber?
READ ALSO: Actress Toyin Abraham Speaks On Reported Fight With Funke Akindele
YES. Subscribers can link their NIN to their SIM through the online and USSD channels provided by their Network Provider(s). The process for doing this is explained in Q10 and Q.19.
READ ALSO: FAILURE CANNOT BE HIDDEN UNDER THE GUISE OF EQUITY - FERDINAND EKEOMA
If I have more than one phone number, is one NIN appropriate and how do I link them?
READ ALSO: How a Catholic Priest Slumped and Died While Delivering Homily in Delta Church
An individual's NIN is his/her unique identity number. Persons with multiple lines are required to update their SIM records by submitting their NIN to their different Network Providers.
READ ALSO: ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER ATTACKED IN SOUTH AFRICA (VIDEO ATTACHED)
The different Networks have provided simple solutions, which include short codes to help you link your NIN to your different SIMS.
READ ALSO: Pastor Sprays Pounds On Davido In A Club| WATCH VIDEO
For MTN, dial *785# using the phone number you wish to link, enter your NIN and submit or dial *785*Your NIN# from the phone number you wish to link.
READ ALSO: Dancer Korra Obidi's Husband Set To Divorce Her After Childbirth |READ WHY
For Airtel, dial *121*1# on the Airtel line you wish to link, type 1 for NIN Capture and press send, enter your NIN and wait for the message confirming submission.
READ ALSO: Ofuji Ndị Igbo Sets 2026 Agenda, Promises Greater Community Engagement
For Globacom, simply send "UPDATENIN NIN FirstName and LastName" to 109. For example, send "UPDATENIN 12345678912 Tony Umoh" to 109
READ ALSO: "Ikwuano Locked Down For Alex Otti" - Monday Ubani SAN Sends Strong Message To Opposition
For 9Mobile, simply visit the online self-service NIN update portal at www.9mobile.com.ng/NIN
READ ALSO: Mother's Day: Abia Government Liaison Officer Honours Women, Says Mothers Shape Future Leaders
What happens after I provide my NIN to the mobile network provider?
READ ALSO: Court Finally Sacks ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu
The Network provider will work with the NCC and NIMC to verify the NIN you submitted. You will be notified in due course whether your SIM has been successfully linked to your NIN or whether you need to provide any further details.
READ ALSO: Bloodbath At Wedding: Bandits Kill 13, Abduct Many In Midnight Attack In Kaduna Community
If I don't have a NIN or fail to submit to my Network Provider, will my line be blocked after the deadline?
The Ministerial Task Force on the NIN and SIM registration has extended the deadline for subscribers who have NIN to three (3) weeks from December 30, 2020 to January 19, 2021.
READ ALSO: Actress Toyin Abraham Speaks On Reported Fight With Funke Akindele
For subscribers without NIN, the enrolment deadline has been extended by six (6) weeks from December 30, 2020 to February 9, 2021.
READ ALSO: FAILURE CANNOT BE HIDDEN UNDER THE GUISE OF EQUITY - FERDINAND EKEOMA
Subscribers are strongly advised to use this period to ensure they enrol for their NIN and link same with their SIM as SIMs not linked may be blocked from the network after the deadline.
READ ALSO: How a Catholic Priest Slumped and Died While Delivering Homily in Delta Church
How authentic are the links circulating online for SIM update? E.g. is the code *346# genuine for retrieval of NIN and others?
READ ALSO: ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER ATTACKED IN SOUTH AFRICA (VIDEO ATTACHED)
YES. The *346# USSD code provided by NIMC is genuine for retrieval of NIN. Please note that only links and channels communicated by Mobile Network Providers, NIMC or NCC are authentic.
READ ALSO: Pastor Sprays Pounds On Davido In A Club| WATCH VIDEO
Why is the exercise (of linking the SIM to NIN) not free of charge for people? - Why the N20.00 charge?
READ ALSO: Dancer Korra Obidi's Husband Set To Divorce Her After Childbirth |READ WHY
The linkage of SIM to NIN is free. NIMC has waived the N20.00 (Twenty Naira) NIN retrieval charge and other verification costs for the duration of the SIM update exercise.
READ ALSO: Ofuji Ndị Igbo Sets 2026 Agenda, Promises Greater Community Engagement
Why did the NCC direct a halt to registration of new SIMs (even welcome back) and what does the NCC want to achieve with it?
READ ALSO: "Ikwuano Locked Down For Alex Otti" - Monday Ubani SAN Sends Strong Message To Opposition
The directive to halt the registration of new SIMs is to ensure compliance with set quality standards and requirements as well as address national security concerns surrounding the use of SIMs.
READ ALSO: Mother's Day: Abia Government Liaison Officer Honours Women, Says Mothers Shape Future Leaders
However, the directive does not apply to SIM replacements (welcome back). Mobile Network Providers may perform SIM replacement for subscribers already registered and active on the network, provided that the subscriber presents a NIN and follows the prescribed procedures.
READ ALSO: Court Finally Sacks ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu
Is the directive for reasons of security, harmonization of data, or for revenue as people are speculating due to the N20.00 charge by network operators for the use of *346# code?
READ ALSO: Bloodbath At Wedding: Bandits Kill 13, Abduct Many In Midnight Attack In Kaduna Community
The directive to link SIM to NIN is primarily to address national security concerns surrounding the use of SIMs. It is also for harmonization of data of all Nigerian residents so as to create an authentic national citizens database which government can use to improve serves to the citizenry and address security concerns. There is no revenue objective attached to the exercise, and to prove this, the Government has waived the N20 charge during the period of the registration.
Will my bank account be blocked if my line is not linked to NIN?
READ ALSO: Actress Toyin Abraham Speaks On Reported Fight With Funke Akindele
Only SIM cards/phone lines that are not registered with the National Identity Numbers (NIN) will be blocked at the end of this exercise. Government may however introduce other measures it deems necessary in the best interest of all Nigerians in future.
READ ALSO: FAILURE CANNOT BE HIDDEN UNDER THE GUISE OF EQUITY - FERDINAND EKEOMA
How about Nigerians who live abroad? Will they be able to register for NIN and integrate their NIN with their SIMs?
READ ALSO: How a Catholic Priest Slumped and Died While Delivering Homily in Delta Church
YES, NIMC has licensed foreign enrolment partners to register Nigerians in the Diaspora and issue them the NIN. Please click
READ ALSO: ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER ATTACKED IN SOUTH AFRICA (VIDEO ATTACHED)
https://www3.nimc.gov.ng/diaspora/ for details of Diaspora enrolment.
READ ALSO: Pastor Sprays Pounds On Davido In A Club| WATCH VIDEO
Channels for integration of SIM to NIN have also been put in place for Nigerians in the Diaspora. This include using the mobile applications provided by the respective operators and the application recently launched by NIMC. This can be downloaded from the Apple and Google App Stores.
READ ALSO: Dancer Korra Obidi's Husband Set To Divorce Her After Childbirth |READ WHY
Are foreigners living in Nigeria and using Nigerian mobile networks also affected by the directive?
READ ALSO: Ofuji Ndị Igbo Sets 2026 Agenda, Promises Greater Community Engagement
Yes. All persons in Nigeria who use mobile networks are required to register their SIM cards and link them with the NIN database.
READ ALSO: "Ikwuano Locked Down For Alex Otti" - Monday Ubani SAN Sends Strong Message To Opposition
Are foreigners required to obtain a NIN? And does having a NIN confer citizenship on a non-Nigerian?
READ ALSO: Mother's Day: Abia Government Liaison Officer Honours Women, Says Mothers Shape Future Leaders
All legally resident foreigners (i.e. non-Nigerians living and working in Nigeria) are to obtain a NIN just like Nigerian citizens. They can do this by submitting valid resident/work permits at NIMC enrolment centres. However, foreigners on tourist or visiting visa are to tender their international passports to acquire a SIM. But where such a visiting foreigner or tourist's immigration status changes to residency or work permit, he/she will be required to obtain NIN and link the registered SIM.
READ ALSO: Court Finally Sacks ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu
NIN does not confer citizenship on foreigners but only serves to identify a person (citizens and legal residents).
Related Stories
Bloodbath At Wedding: Bandits Kill 13, Abduct Many In Midnight Attack In Kaduna Community
"Ikwuano Locked Down For Alex Otti" - Monday Ubani SAN Sends Strong Message To Opposition
Mother's Day: Abia Government Liaison Officer Honours Women, Says Mothers Shape Future Leaders
Why ICPC Is Prosecuting Mike Ozekhome Over a London Property Deal That Has Shaken Nigeria's Legal Circle | READ DETAILS
Ofuji Ndị Igbo Sets 2026 Agenda, Promises Greater Community Engagement
How a Catholic Priest Slumped and Died While Delivering Homily in Delta Church
""
— Faith Ukanwa