How to Register for NIN in Nigeria

Are you looking for how to register for NIN in Nigeria? NIN is an acronym for National Identification Number.

What is NIN?

NIN is the short form for National Identification Number. It is the number you get after you have successfully registered for the new Nigerian identity card.

The agency in charge of registering and issuing the National Identification Number is the National Identity Management Commission also known as NIMC.

There’s no age limitation for the National Identification number registration. NIMC has stated that children between the ages of 0-15 years can be registered as minors.

Benefits of Having a National Identification Number

There are lots of benefits that come with owning a national identification. In fact, if you do not have a NIN, you will be denied access to a lot of services in Nigeria.

Here are some of the advantages of having a National Identification Number;

SSCE or UTME Exam Registrations

The West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) are two prominent exam bodies in Nigeria. JAMB and WAEC have stated that a National Identification Number will be required from students who want to take their exams.

As time goes on, other exam bodies in Nigeria may also make the NIN compulsory.

Job Applications

You cannot apply for most jobs in Nigeria without a National Identification number. Employers and outsourcing firms need to confirm your identity before they give you jobs and the NIN is the best way to confirm a person’s identity in Nigeria.

Registering/Retrieving a Phone Number

Right now, you cannot own a phone number in Nigeria without a NIN. If you have misplaced your SIM card and you want to retrieve your old phone number you will need a National Identification number to do that.

The Federal government of Nigeria through the National Communication Commission has announced that Nigerians with existing phone lines must link their phone numbers with their NIN or risk their lines being blocked.

You can check our article on how to link your phone number to your NIN.

Opening a Bank Account

In the nearest future, you may not be able to open a bank account without your NIN. Right now, banks still accept other means of identification like the voter’s card or driver’s license to open an account.

Since the Nigerian government is trying to create a unified database for citizens, the National Identification Number will become the most important means of identification.

Once there is a massive adaptation of the NIN, other documents like the driver’s license or voter’s card may no longer be accepted.

Nigerian International Passport

The immigration service has stated that Nigerians applying for the Enhanced E-Passport must have a National Identification Number. It is better to register for your NIN months before applying for an international passport to avoid hiccups.

Socio-Economic Rewards

As a Nigerian citizen registered on the National Identity database, you have the right to claim any socio-economic benefits meant for citizens.

Socio-economic benefits include things like;

Documents Required for NIN Registration

To register for NIN, you need a supporting document to verify your identity.

NIMC accepts the following documents for NIN registration;

Birth Certificate.
The Old National ID card.
Voters card (both temporary or permanent)
State of Origin certificate
Nigerian International passport
Drivers license
Tertiary school ID card
Government staff ID card
Tax clearance certificate.
Attestation letter from a religious leader or traditional leader.
Declaration of age.
National Health insurance Scheme Card (NHIS)

You only need to have one out of the above-mentioned.

If you do not have any of these documents, you can go to a local government office to get an Age declaration or general hospital to apply for a Birth certificate.

NIN Registration Centres

The National Identification Management Commission has partnered with 173 private sector agents and 30 public sector institutions to enrol citizens for the NIN.

If you are yet to register, you can visit any of the centres below;

1. Network Provider SIM Card Registration Outlet

Some of the private organisations the NIMC partnered with are mobile network operators in the country. You can visit a 9mobile, Airtel, Glo or MTN sim card registration outlet and inform them that you want to register for NIN.

2. Banks in Nigeria

Nigerian banks are also involved in the NIN registration process. If you want to register for NIN through your bank, you can for your bank’s NIN enrollment centres to find a branch close to you. E.g Zenith Bank NIN enrollment centres.

3. Tertiary Institutions

Most Federal and State-owned tertiary institutions have NIN enrollment centres on their campuses. If you are a student or you live close to a tertiary institution, you can visit the school and ask the security officials where to register for NIN within the school premises.

4. Local Government Offices

You can also register for NIN at any local government office close to you. All you need to do is to visit the office with a supporting document and request from a staff where you can register your NIN.

You can see a list of all the NIN enrollment centres here. Locate the state where you reside on the map and click on it to view the enrollment centres within the state.

How to Register for NIN

Step 1: Download the NIMC Pre-enrolment form here. Print out the form at any cyber cafe close to you. This step is not compulsory as you can get the form at the enrollment centre.

Step 2: Fill out the form properly and proceed with the form to a NIN enrollment centre with any means of identification from the ones mentioned above and your Bank verification number (not compulsory).

Step 3: On getting to the enrollment centre, give the enrollment officers the form you filled out and the supporting documents. Your information will be entered into the system.

Step 4: Your Biometrics will be taken by the officials. These include your height, fingerprints and a head-shot.

Step 5: Once your registration is completed, you will get a NIN Slip. This slip contains your national identification number.

The NIN slip can be used to for any purpose.

National Identification Number (NIN) Frequently Asked Questions

Can NIMC/NIN Registration be done twice?

You cannot register for a National identification number twice. If you try to do so, the system will detect through your Biometrics. It is also a crime to attempt to have more than one National Identification number.

How Can I check my NIN Details Online?

You can check your NIN number online through the NIMC mobile app. You can check our article on how to register for NIMC mobile app.

How do I get my NIMC Slip?

Your NIMC slip will be given to you immediately after you have completed your registration. In some situations, you may be told to come back for it on a given date.

I Have Misplaced My NIN Slip, How do I Reprint It?

You can print a different NIN slip through the NIMC mobile app or website. Read our article on how to print NIN slip online.

How Do I Know if My NIN Card is Ready

The commission has stopped issuing cards. You can print your NIN slip in an ID card format online.

Can I Edit my NIN Details

Yes, you can edit the personal data on your NIN. You have to pay for this service. Kindly visit the Remita Bill payment platform to make payment. Once payment has been made, proceed with the receipt to an NIN enrollment centre.

We hope you have learnt how to register for NIN in Nigeria and also gotten answers to any question you have about the national identity number registration. If you have more questions, please use the comment section below to ask.

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How to Register for NIN in Nigeria

What is NIN?