Since Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given telecommunications operators in the country two weeks to block all SIM cards that are not registered with the National Identity Numbers (NIN) by the 31st of December 2020, we decide to discuss how to link your NIN with your SIM to avoid being blocked while entering a new year.
NIN, which is a set of eleven digits assigned to an individual, by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), upon successful enrolment, can be easily linked to your Phone number at your own comfort.
If you have already registered for your NIN, you should have your slip with you or alternatively you can use the NIMC USSD service to retrieve it by following these steps:
- dial *346#
- from the options displayed, select “NIN Retrieval”, by typing in ‘1’, if you are using the same phone number you enrolled with for your NIN
- follow the steps displayed on your screen and provide the required inputs
- note that using this service attracts a N20 (tweny naira) fee only (deducted from your phone credit balance), though NIMC said retrieval of NIN through the USSD code (*346#) will be free on all mobile network operators for the duration of the integration of NIN and SIM.
Then linking your phone number to your number is the easiest.
Please note that Glo and 9Mobile are yet to commence SIM linking with NIN.
For MTN users, simply dial *785# and get it done in few seconds. Wait for the network to give a confirmation of your submission. You may get a message saying “Network error.” Don’t worry, just wait for some time and try it again.
To link your NIN to your Airtel number, dial *121# on the Airtel line you wish to link. Then Type 1 for “NIN Capture” and simply enter your 11-digit NIN as requested.
For those who don’t have a National Identity Number (NIN), you can visit any NIMC office near you or the newly approved licensed 173 agents by the federal government and apply. You simply register and obtain your temporary ID slip which will contain your NIN.
The registration process consists of the recording of an individual’s demographic data and capture of the ten (10) fingerprints, head-to-shoulder facial picture, and digital signature.
