All you need to know about Nigeria’s NIN and SIM Integration — NCC
By Eyo Nsima
The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has provided the public with comprehensive information about the ongoing NIN and SIM Integration exercise in Nigeria to enable them to understand and participate.
Specifically, in a message obtained from its website, NCC, stated: “In line with its mandate to ensure an informed telecommunications ecosystem for all stakeholders in the industry, the Nigerian Communications Commission hereby addresses Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the ongoing NIN and SIM Integration exercise.”
What is NIN?
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.
What is the purpose of the NIN?
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
How do I obtain my NIN?
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.
Is it possible to register NIN online without visiting the registration centre?
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?
No, you cannot. Everyone is to enroll for his or her NIN individually. It is a personal identity number that bears the biometrics of an individual, so no one can do the enrolment for another.
What should people who have not obtained their NIN do? How long can the process of obtaining a NIN take?
Individuals who do not have a NIN are to proceed to the nearest accredited NIN enrolment centres to enroll/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-
If I have enrolled before, how do I confirm my NIN?
You can confirm your NIN in two easy steps:
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
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.
Can the NIN only be obtained at NIMC’s Offices?
Other government institutions, state governments, and private companies have been approved by NIMC as Enrolment Centres to enroll 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.
Are banks among the accredited establishments for issuance of NIN?
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?
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.
Is the list of accredited registration agents circulating online genuine?
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;
https://nimc.gov.ng/public-
Any list that does not emanate from NIMC is to be disregarded.
Which is the right organization to issue NIN?
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.
How possible is it to carry out the NIN registration without breaching COVID-19 Protocols?
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.
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.
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).
