How to Get NIN in Nigeria

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is an agency in Nigeria created in 2010. The agency was mandated to register people and give each eligible Nigerian a unique National Identification Number (NIN).

The National Identification Number (NIN) was made in a bid to create a national identity database. This will help put an end to crimes such as double identity and identity fraud. When a person registers for his or her NIN, individuals will be provided with an NIN and eventually a national ID card.

How to Get NIN in Nigeria

It is mandatory for every citizen and a legal resident of Nigeria to enroll for the National Identification Number.

What is NIN?

The unique National Identification Number (NIN) consists of 11 non-intelligible numbers that are randomly chosen and assigned to an individual upon completion of enrolment. The NIN is then stored into the National Identity Database (NIDB).

Once a particular National Identification Number is assigned to an individual, it can never be issued to another person, even if the previous user is dead. Hence, the NIN is yours till death.

How do I get NIN in Nigeria?

According to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), enrollment for the National Identification Number consists of the following:

1. Recording of an individual’s demographic data
2. Capturing of the ten (10) fingerprints
3. Head-to-shoulder facial picture
4. Digital signature of the applicant

All these are used to cross-check data that are already in the National Identity Database so as to confirm that there is no previous entry of the same data, to avoid duplication.

You can apply for the NIN on the NIMC Pre Enrolment Portal. Ensure you follow the process for application as defined for applying for by NIMC.

Please note that applicants who want to be assisted in filling their enrolment form will need to visit any Enrolment Centre nearest to them. Here, they will be assisted by an Enrolment Support Officer to correctly fill the Enrolment Form with the required information.

Importance of the National Identification Number

Your National Identification Number (NIN) is used to link all records about you. Information about your address, age, gender and income, fingerprints, head-to-shoulder facial picture, other biometric data and digital signature. All of these are recorded in the National Identity Database which makes it relatively easy to confirm and verify your identity when needed.

Supporting Documents

These are documents required when applying for a National Identity Number. You can walk into the NIMC Enrolment Centre nearest to you with your BVN and any of the following required Original and valid supporting documents:

1. Old National ID Card
2. Driver’s License
3. Voter’s card (Temporary or Permanent)
4. Nigerian International passport
5. Certificate of Origin
6. Attestation letter from a prominent ruler in your community
7. Birth certificate
8. Declaration of age
9. Attestation letter from religious/traditional leader
10. NHIS ID card
11. Government staff ID card
12. Registered/recognized private organization staff ID card
13. School ID Card (private/public)
14. Tax Clearance certificate
15. Valid immigration documents

Enrolment Process

You can apply for the NIN via the website of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). This process allows you to begin the enrolment process by yourself and wherever you are.

Visits the official website of NIMC and register for the pre-enrollment online using the Pre-enrolment Portal

Fill in in your data in block letters

Print out a summary sheet with a 2D Barcode.

Note: The online Pre-Enrolment is an initial step in the enrolment process. The enrolment process is successfully completed only after the applicant gets his or her biometric data which includes fingerprints, headshot photographs, and signature captured and processed by an Enrolment Officer at any of the NIMC Enrolment Centers.

Downloading and Using the Enrolment Form

The second way you can enroll for the National Identification Number is by downloading the Enrolment form to print out and fill at the NIMC website.

• Fill all required space in block letters
• Proceed to the nearest enrolment Centre to capture your biometrics

 

Note: you can also pick up an enrolment form at NIMC’S Enrolment Centres.

Step 1:

• Fill the NIMC Pre Enrolment online form on the Pre Enrolment Portal
• Ensure you fill all the mandatory fields with the correct information.
• Download and print your Pre Enrolment Slip

 Step 2:

Submit Your Application

• Walk into an NIMC Registration Centre nearest to you with the original copy of one of the supporting documents mentioned earlier.
• At any of the Enrolment Centers, you will be directed to a counter where an Enrolment Officer will verify the details of your application form.
• If your application is in order, the Enrolment Officer will guide you on how to proceed with the capture of biometrics (ten fingerprints and facial image)
• You will be given the Transaction ID Slip as evidence of the transaction.

Note:

• Applicants who cannot read nor write should be accompanied by a literate individual who can fill the required form for him or her.
• Citizens of Nigeria from the age of 16 are eligible to have a National Identification Number
• Minor applicants (below the age of 18) should be accompanied by parents/guardians who will guide them in filing the form and sign the essentials.
• Minor applicants are required to bring only an original and valid birth certificate in addition to the NIN slip of one of the Nigerian Parent / Guardian.

Step 3:

Issuance of the National Identification Number

• Usually, the National Identification Number (NIN) slip is issued in 2 to 3 working days from the time the biometric details are captured at the NIMC enrolment centers. However, it could take a longer time in case of issues such as validation of applicant’s details.
• The applicant is expected to keep the Transaction ID Slip carefully as it indicates the successful completion of the enrolment process. The transaction ID slip is also required to be presented at the time of collection of NIN Slip.

You can use your National Identification Number while processing any kind of transaction that involves you verifying your identity in Nigeria. Transactions such as:

• Processing your National ID registration
• Processing and obtaining your travel documents
• Opening a personal bank account
• When you want to get a drivers’ license
• When you want to get your permanent voter’s card
• You can also use the NIN to access services from the Nigerian government such as the National Health Insurance Scheme etc.