How To Get Your National ID (NIN) In Nigeria

A National Identification Number (NIN) is not just a number, It is every Nigerian citizen’s digital identity. In this blog post, RNN compiles what you need to know about NIN and how to get your NIN in Nigeria. Without further ado, let’s get into it.

What is NIN?

The National Identification Number (NIN) consists of 11 non-intelligible numbers randomly chosen and assigned to an individual after completing enrollment into the National Identity Database (NIDB).

The National Identification Number (NIN) is tied to an individual’s biometric data, including fingerprint and headshot photo on record with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). NIN provides the primary means of identifying every Nigerian citizen and legal resident of Nigeria, it can also serve as the foundational identification format of all individuals necessary for public service and transactions.

It is important to know that once NIN is assigned to an individual, it can never be reassigned, given or used by another person, making it unique. The NIN is used to tie all records about an individual in the database and to establish or verify his/her identity.

In the case of an individual’s demise, his/her NIN is retired once a death certificate is presented to the Commission and the individual’s death is established.

Why is NIN important?

Here are some of the reasons why having a National Identification Number (NIN) is important:

• Your National Identification Number (NIN) is used to tie together all records about you – demographic data, fingerprints, head-to-shoulder facial picture, other biometric data and digital signature – in the National Identity Database making it relatively easy to confirm and verify your identity when you engage in travels and transactions.
• It helps provide accurate records about actual living/dead persons in every region of the country
• It helps keep track of actual transactions as well as movement of people within and out of the country
• It helps confirm which individuals need particular Government services, e.g. age and retirement confirmation for pensioners.
• cutting down the time needed for verifying documents to properly identify you to access the services you require
• reducing errors in the allocation of services to the right people
• prevention of fraud (419) where someone else impersonates you
• verification of the real identity of other people you go into financial or business transactions with or even people you wish to employ such as house help
• ensuring you are properly identified when receiving health services, e.g. verifying the actual blood types of blood donors at hospitals
• verification of voter eligibility during elections.

Who is eligible to have the National Identification Number?

Documents needed for NIN enrolment

You need your BVN and any of the following required original and valid documents before you walk into the nearest National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) centre for enrolment.

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

How to get your National Identification Number (NIN) in Nigeria

Step 1: Fill up the pre-enrolment form online, and download and print the pre-enrolment slip.

First, you need to fill out the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Pre-Enrolment online form by visiting the Enrolment Portal. All the mandatory fields need to be filled with correct information. Download and print your Pre Enrolment Slip.

Step 2: Submit your application.

You need to walk into the nearest NIMC Registration Centre with any one of the previously discussed Original and Valid supporting documents. At the Enrolment Center, you will be directed to a counter where our Enrolment Officer will verify the presence and compliance of all details of your application. If your application is in order, the Enrollment officer will guide you to proceed with the capture of biometrics (ten fingerprints and facial images). You will collect the Transaction ID Slip as evidence of the transaction.

Step 3: NIN Issuance.

The normal time frame for issuance of the National Identification Number (NIN) Slip is 2 to 3 working days from when the biometric details are captured at enrolment centres. The issuance of NIN may take longer in certain cases due to the validation of details at NIMC. The Transaction ID Slip is required to be stored carefully by the applicant as it is required to be presented at the time of collection of NIN Slip indicating completion of enrolment.

Note:

• Applicants who cannot read or write should be accompanied by a literate individual who can fill out the form for him/her.
• Minor applicants(age 0-15 years) should be accompanied by parents/guardians who can fill out the form for them.
• Minor applicants should only bring an original and valid birth certificate and NIN slip of one of the Nigerian Parent / Guardians.

Where can I register for NIN?

You can start the process online through the NIMC pre-enrolment portal but the physical enrollment must be done at a NIMC enrollment center. You can download the pre-enrollment form, fill it out online, or print it to complete at the centre. If needed, centre agents are available to assist with the form.

How much does it cost to register for NIN?

Registration is FREE for both minors and adults. However, NIN Modifications (Adults): N500 per updatable field (excluding Date of Birth, which has a separate fee of N15,000).

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