Absolutely! As a patriotic Nigerian, it’s important to have your National Identity Number (NIN) which serves as a unique identifier for individuals within the country.
Are you a Nigerian citizen who wants to register and apply for your NIN? You’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of how registering and applying for your National Identity Number.
So, let’s get started!
What Is NIN
NIN, which stands for National Identification Number, is a unique 11-digit number assigned to every Nigerian citizen or legal resident by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). The NIN is issued after successful enrolment in the National Identity Database, which involves capturing an individual’s demographic data and biometric details such as fingerprints, facial features, and iris scans.
The NIN is an important means of identification in Nigeria and is required for various transactions and services such as opening bank accounts, applying for international passports, driver’s licenses, voter registration, and more. The NIN is also mandatory for all SIM card registrations and must be linked to each phone number by the telecommunication providers.
Core Details About NIN
The importance of the NIN cannot be overstated, as it serves as a means of addressing identity theft, fraud, and impersonation. With the NIN, the government can easily verify the identity of an individual and reduce the incidences of fraudulent activities.
To obtain the NIN, one must enroll at any of the NIMC enrolment centers nationwide. The enrolment process involves filling out an enrolment form, capturing the individual’s biometric data, and providing relevant identification documents such as a valid driver’s license, voter’s card, international passport, or birth certificate.
Upon successful enrolment, the individual will be issued a slip containing their NIN, which will be used to track their enrolment status and as proof of enrolment until the physical NIN card is issued.
It is important to note that the enrolment for NIN is free of charge, and individuals are advised to visit only designated NIMC enrolment centers and avoid patronizing touts or unauthorized individuals who may offer to fast-track the enrolment process for a fee.
An assigned National Identification Number (NIN) is exclusive to an individual and cannot be reassigned, transferred or used by another person. This means that once a NIN is assigned, it remains unique to the individual for life.
If an individual passes away, their NIN is retired after the presentation of a death certificate to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the confirmation of the individual’s death.
The NIN serves as a means to consolidate all records about an individual in the database and is used to verify their identity. It is a crucial identification number that every citizen and legal resident in Nigeria, starting from birth and above, is eligible to enroll for.
IS Enrolling NIN Compulsory In Nigeria?
Yes, enrolling for the National Identification Number (NIN) is compulsory for all citizens and legal residents of Nigeria from the age of zero (birth) and above. The Nigerian government has made it mandatory for all citizens to obtain their NIN and link it to their mobile phone numbers, bank accounts, and other government-related services. Failure to obtain and link the NIN to these services can result in penalties or denial of services.
Why is NIN Enrollment Compulsory?
Yes, enrolling for the National Identification Number (NIN) is compulsory in Nigeria for several reasons. Here are some of the reasons why it is mandatory:
Access to government services: The Nigerian government has made the possession of a NIN a prerequisite for accessing many government services, including applying for an international passport, driver’s license, voter’s card, and opening a bank account.
Security: The NIN is a unique identifier that helps to prevent identity theft, fraud, and other criminal activities. By linking all of an individual’s records to their NIN, it becomes easier to verify their identity and prevent impersonation.
National planning: The NIN is used by the government for national planning, including the development of policies and programs aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.
International relations: The NIN is also used for international relations, including travel documents and international cooperation agreements.
Financial inclusion: The NIN is required for individuals who want to participate in financial services, including bank transactions, loans, and insurance.
As an individual, just as you have a phone number for people to contact you, it is equally important to have your National Identification Number (NIN) so that you can be easily identified.
The NIN is a unique number that is issued to you by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) after your enrolment, and it serves as your lifelong identifier. It is linked with your biometric data and other personal details in the National Identity Database, which is used for verification and authentication.
In Nigeria, the NIN is set to be used for all transactions requiring identity verification. This means that you will be required to provide your NIN for activities such as applying for a passport, opening a bank account, obtaining a driver’s license, registering for JAMB or other examinations, and other similar activities. Therefore, it is important to enroll for your NIN to ensure easy identification and verification in various transactions.
So You will be using Your NIN For
- obtaining your National e-ID card
- travel (international passport application & acquisition)
- opening personal bank accounts
- getting your driver’s license
- obtaining your Permanent Voters’ Card
- participating in the National Health Insurance Scheme
- payment of your taxes
- transactions related to your contributory pension scheme
- access to welfare and other relevant services from the Nigerian Government
- transactions with social security implications
- land transactions subject to the Land Use Act
- any other transactions NIMC may so prescribe and list in the Federal Government Gazette
How do I enroll for NIN?
Sure, “How do I enroll for NIN?” is a common question asked by many Nigerians who are interested in obtaining their National Identification Number. Enrolling for NIN involves a simple process that can be completed at any of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) registration centers across the country.
To enroll for NIN, you need to visit the nearest NIMC registration center with some documents that serve as proof of your identity and nationality. The required documents include a birth certificate, a voter’s card, a driver’s license, an international passport, a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card, or any other valid means of identification.
Upon arrival at the registration center, you will be required to fill out a pre-registration form with your basic details, after which a biometric data capture will be conducted to obtain your fingerprints and a facial photograph. The captured biometric data will be stored in the National Identity Database, and a unique NIN will be issued to you.
It is important to note that the enrolment process is free of charge, and you should ensure that all information provided during the registration process is accurate and up to date. Once you have successfully enrolled for NIN, you can use it for various transactions and services that require identity verification in Nigeria.
List Of  Documents Required for NIN Enrollment
To enroll for NIN, visit the nearest NIMC Enrolment Centre with any of the required original and valid supporting documents along with your BVN (if you have one).
| Accepted Forms of Identification for NIN Enrollment |
|---|
| 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 |
How to Register & Apply for National Identity Number (NIN)
Walk into the nearest NIMC enrolment center: Visit the nearest National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) enrolment center with your BVN (if you have one) and any of the following required original and valid supporting documents
- 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
Fill out the enrolment form: You will be given an enrolment form to fill out. Fill out the form correctly and provide accurate information about yourself.
The capture of biometric data: Your biometric data such as fingerprints, headshot photographs, and digital signatures will be captured.
Review your enrolment details: You will be required to review your enrolment details before submitting them.
Submit your enrolment form: Submit your enrolment form and biometric data. You will then be issued a Transaction ID Slip as an acknowledgment of your enrolment.
Collect your National Identification Number (NIN): After processing your application, you will be contacted by NIMC to come and collect your National Identification Number (NIN) slip. It is important to keep your slip safe, as you will need it for future NIN-related transactions.
Link your NIN to your phone number: To link your NIN to your phone number, simply dial *346# from the phone number you want to link, enter your NIN and submit. You can also visit any of your service providers’ outlets to link your NIN.
CONC
Obtaining a National Identity Number (NIN) is a crucial step towards proving one’s identity and accessing various services in Nigeria. The process of registration and application is straightforward and can be completed by following the outlined steps.
It is important to note that enrolment for NIN is mandatory for all citizens and legal residents in Nigeria, and failure to obtain one may lead to exclusion from various services and opportunities. Additionally, the NIN is a unique identifier that stays with an individual for life and cannot be transferred or reassigned.
By obtaining a NIN, individuals can access services such as opening bank accounts, obtaining a driver’s license, applying for an international passport, and participating in the National Health Insurance Scheme, among others.
It is recommended that individuals ensure that all the required documents are readily available before visiting the NIMC enrolment center to make the process smooth and hassle-free. Overall, obtaining a NIN is a critical step towards establishing one’s identity and accessing important services in Nigeria.