Learn how to quickly and easily check your NIN number on MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9mobile, and online. Discover simple steps for checking your NIN via dialer or the NIMC website and avoid potential SIM card blockage.
How to Check NIN Number
Have you linked your National Identity Number (NIN) with your phone number yet? If you haven’t, you better hurry because the telecommunication companies (MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9Mobile) are getting serious about this.
If you can’t recall your NIN, your SIM card could be blocked. Don’t worry, I got you covered. Here’s how to quickly check your NIN on all these networks and online.
What’s NIN & How Does it Work?
Before getting into how to check NIN number let’s know more about NIN. The National Identity Number is a set of 11 random digits assigned to a Nigerian citizen after successful enrollment.
To get your NIN, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) collects your demographic data, ten fingerprints, head-to-shoulder facial images, and digital signature, and records them in their database.
But don’t worry, you won’t have to go all the way to NIMC’s head office every time you need to access your information. Once you’ve been assigned your NIN, an 11-digit code will be linked to your bio-data, and that’s it. No one else can claim it. You’re verified for life, even in death.
What’s the Purpose of NIN?
- Government services: The NIN is required to obtain a National e-ID card, apply for a passport, and register to vote, among other government services.
- Financial services: The NIN is required to open a bank account, apply for a loan, or invest in certain financial products.
- Healthcare: The NIN is required to register for and participate in the National Health Insurance Scheme.
- Employment: Some employers may require job applicants to provide their NIN.
- Education: Some educational institutions may require students to provide their NIN.
The NIN is also used to prevent fraud and identity theft. For example, when you open a bank account, the bank will check your NIN to make sure that you are who you say you are. This helps to protect the bank from fraudulent account openings.
The NIN is an important tool for identity verification and authentication in Nigeria. It is used for a variety of purposes, and it offers a number of benefits to both individuals and society as a whole.
Here are some of the specific benefits of using the NIN:
- For individuals:
- It can help to prevent identity theft and fraud.
- It can simplify access to government and private services.
- It can improve financial inclusion.
- It can facilitate access to healthcare and other essential services.
- It can protect their rights and interests.
- For society as a whole:
- It can help to reduce crime and insecurity.
- It can improve planning and budgeting.
- It can promote social justice and equity.
- It can support economic growth and development.
Overall, the NIN is a valuable tool that can help to improve the lives of Nigerians and make Nigeria a better place.
How to Get Your NIN?
If you’re 16 or older, visit any NIMC enrolment center near you and bring a supporting document with you. Your details will be cross-checked on the NIN verification portal to make sure you haven’t registered before.
If you haven’t, you’ll proceed with the registration. If you have, your old NIN will be retrieved for you. And the best part, all these processes are free (except for printing and lamination, which usually costs ₦100 or less).
Documents Needed to Register Your NIN
To register your NIN, all you need is your Bank Verification Number (BVN) and any of the following 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
- Nigerian Commission for Refugees (NCFR) Refugee Certificate
- Refugee ID card
- Refugee Factsheet
How to Check NIN Number on MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9mobile
The process to check your NIN number on different networks is similar. Here’s what you need to do:
- Launch the dialer app on your phone
- Dial *346#
- Select the “NIN Retrieval” option (option 1)
- You’ll be notified that the service will cost ₦20 and will be deducted from your airtime balance
- If you have enough balance, select option 1 to continue
- Your request will be processed and your NIN number will be displayed
How to Check NIN Number Online
If you don’t want to go through the process of checking your NIN on your mobile network, you can also check it online. Here’s how:
- Visit the NIMC website at https://www.nimc.gov.ng
- Click on the “NIN Retrieval” option on the homepage
- Enter your mobile number linked to your NIN in the space provided
- Click on the “Get NIN” button
- You will receive a text message containing your NIN number
It’s that simple! With these steps, you can easily check your NIN number on MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9mobile, and online. It’s important to note that there may be a small fee charged for checking your NIN online, so make sure you have enough funds in your account to cover it.
In conclusion, linking your NIN to your phone number is an important step to take as it is required by the Nigerian government. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily check your NIN number and make sure your SIM card is not blocked. If you haven’t registered for your NIN yet, be sure to visit a nearby NIMC enrolment center and bring along the required documents.