Linking NIN to Your SIM Card Step by Step

Linking NIN to Your SIM Card: The Nigerian government made NIN linking compulsory to verify identity and check criminal activities. Hence, the NCC issued a deadline for Telcos to disable SIM card users who fail to comply. To Linking NIN to Your SIM Card, you can use the USSD code, the NIMC mobile app, the network provider’s NIN page or visit the nearest network provider service location. You can link a single NIN to about seven phone numbers. Here are some useful tips on Linking NIN To Your SIM Card after or during  registration.

What Does NIN Stand For 

Your National Identification Number (NIN) is your national identity. It is a unique set of eleven digits number that can be used to identify you by the Federal government of Nigeria. The number is issued to you by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) after you have successfully enrolled with them. Your national identification number is matched with your biometric data and other information about you in the NIMC database during your enrolment. You can use your NIN while processing every kind of transaction that involves you submitting an identity verification in Nigeria. Transactions such as:

• Processing your National ID registration. Processing and obtaining your travel documents such as your international passport.
• When you want to open a personal bank account.
• When you want to get a drivers licence.
• When you are getting your permanent voter’s card.
• When applying for the National Health Insurance Scheme.
• Tax payment. Accessing services from the Nigerian government.
• And many other related transactions that have been listed in the Federal Government Gazette by the NIMC.

Requirements for Linking NIN to Your SIM Card

To link your NIN to your sim card, you must make sure that your SIM is registered and that you have also registered for NIN.

1. You must register your SIM

This is the first and key criterion. You must register your SIM/phone number before linking it to your NIN. To do so, please proceed to any nearby telecom service centre (MTN, GLO, Airtel, 9Mobile) to purchase and register your SIM.

2. You must complete your NIN registration

You must complete your NIN registration to link your NIN to your phone number. Here is how to do this:

• Visit the nearest NIMC office close to you or the approved NIMC registration centre.
• Ensure that you go along with your documents. Proof of identity, birth certificate, international passport, and driver’s license are all accepted.
• NIMC will require you to fill out the NIN registration form and complete some biometrics to create your NIN.

Step By Step to Linking NIN to Your SIM Card 

• MTN Mobile Number

To Link your NIN to your MTN Mobile Number You can dial *785#. Go to the MTN NIN Linking Portal and enter your phone number and email. You will receive an OTP on your phone, which you need to enter to proceed. After verification, you’ll get a notification to start the process of linking your NIN to your MTN SIM.

The system will first check your NIN status first, and once everything is confirmed, your NIN will be successfully linked to your MTN SIM. And you can also visit an MTN service centre close to you.

• Glo Mobile Number

To Link your NIN to your Glo Mobile Number, SMS “UPDATENIN NIN FirstName LastName” to 109 and  you can also visit a Glo service centre close to you.

• 9mobile Number

To Link your NIN to your 9mobile Number, You can dial *200*8# and you can visit a 9mobile service center close to you.

• NIMC Mobile ID app:

The (NIMC) mobile app provides a reliable way for applicants to link NIN to their phone number. Here is how to go about it:

• First, download the NIMC mobile app from the Google Play Store or App Store.
•  Open the app, tap “Get Started”, and agree to the terms.
• Then, enter your NIN number.
• Tap the My Devicesbutton at the bottom right.
• Choose Add Mobile Number.
• Enter the number you wish to link.
• You will receive an OTP.
• Then, enter the OTP  on the screen to link the line.

It will display a Confirm Number page to verify that you still use the same phone number. Otherwise, select “I want to use another number”.

New SIM Registration Rules in Nigeria

Following the earlier directive on the suspension of new SIM registration by network operators, The following decisions ere to be taking for immediate implementation by all Network Operators:

• Affirmation of the earlier directive to totally suspend registration of NEW SIMs by all operators.
• ​Operators to require ALL their subscribers to provide valid National Identification Number (NIN) to update SIM registration records.
•  The submission of NIN by subscribers to take place within two weeks (from today December 16, 2020 and end by 30 December, 2020).
• After the deadline, ALL SIMs without NINs are to be blocked from the networks.
• A Ministerial Task Force comprising the Minister and all the CEOs (among others) as members is to monitor compliance by all networks.
•  Violations of this directive will be met by stiff sanctions, including the possibility of withdrawal of operating license.

The general public is hereby urged to ensure that their NINs are captured in their SIM registration data.

 I Can’t Link My NIN To My Line, What Should I Do?

If you cannot successfully link your NIN to your line, it could be that the information at SIM registration does not match that of your NIN. You may have to do a SIM registration update and link your NIN to your SIM. To do this, reach out to your network provider’s support line or app.

How Do I Know If My NIN Is Successfully Linked?

You may contact your provider directly or visit the MTN NIN Linking Portal for MTN users or the Airtel-NIN website for Airtel users. Alternatively, you can dial *346# across any network and select NIN Retrieval to verify that your number is successfully linked. NIN retrieval is a chargeable transaction; you may want to check your airtime balance before proceeding.

What is Virtual NIN?

A Virtual NIN is a digital version of your National Identity Number (NIN). It is a temporary, 16-digit number that you can generate to protect your actual NIN during transactions. The virtual NIN is valid for a one-time use and expires after 24 hours.

Please note that VNIN generation is a chargeable transaction; ensure you buy airtime before proceeding.

Can I Link My NIN To Multiple SIM Cards?

Yes, you can link your NIN to multiple SIMs, up to seven SIM cards. From the NIMC app, tap “Add Mobile Number”  and input the mobile phone number to receive an OTP. Then, input the OTP received to the screen. Repeat the steps for your other lines.

What Documents Do I Need To Register For NIN?

The NIMC requires that you walk into the nearest enrolment centre with your BVN and at least one of the following: international passport, driver’s licence, Declaration of Age, School ID card, government staff ID card, tax clearance certificate, or NHIS ID card.