National Identification Number (NIN) is a set of digit numbers assigned to an individual after successful National Identity card enrolment.  This set of digit numbers are unique and it identifies you in Nigeria.

So after successful enrolment for National Identity Card, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) will issue National Identification Number slip to you. This slip contains your NIN; and being a slip, it can easily get tore, lost or mistakenly damage. In the past, if this happens, you will no longer have access to your NIN. However, technology has turned a lot of things around. With just a simple USSD code you can retrieve/get your National Identification Number back.

If you lost, mistakenly tore or damage your NIN Slip,  you can get your NIN back with code

Read: NIMC Registration Centre in Nationwide

 Check/know your NIN using code

To check/get your NIN;

Navigate to your phone’s dial button and dial this code *346#, followed by typing 1 (NIN retrieval) to get your NIN. This must be done from phone number you registered on NIMC.

That’s all!

Alternatively,

Type 2 (NIN Search) instead of 1 and Input some of the details you registered on NIMC (if you’re not using the same phone number you enrolled with).

Follow the message prompt on your phone’s screen to retrieve your National Identification Number

NOTE:

• Any type of mobile phone can use to retrieve NIN.
• Use of this code is available on all mobile networks in Nigeria.
• This service will cost you N20 fee only deducted from your phone credit balance.

Why do you need to know your NIN

You need to know/check NIN for the following reasons:

• to enable you link your NIN to your phone number to avoid being block by your network service provider.
• for obtaining National e-ID card and 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 and any other transactions NIMC may so prescribe and list in the Federal Government Gazette.

OTHER USES OF NIN

• Use of NIN for Customs clearance during online purchases
• NIN for Amazon.com deliveries
• JAMB’s use of NIN for student data revalidation
• The mandatory use of NIN for all existing Retirement Saving Account (RSA) holders
• NIN for SIM card registration

For more information visit NIMC SMS service at https://www3.nimc.gov.ng/sms-service/

Related articles;

• How to check if your National ID card is ready for collection
• How to apply for National Identity Card in Nigeria
• National Identification number in Nigeria: How to apply & get NIN
• What’s reason for delay in issuing out Permanent National Identity card?