SIM-NIN Linkage FAQ

 The National Identity Number (NIN) is a unique digital identifier for Nigerians that serves as the foundational database for the country. Nigerian citizens and legal residents are expected to have the NIN. The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is the government agency responsible for the issuance and management of the National Identity Number (NIN).

 The enrollment for NIN is a Federal Government Policy. The NIN is used to connect all the records about an individual's identity into the National Identity Database. It is also used as a valid means of establishing or verifying an individual's identity.

To register for NIN, visit the nearest NIMC enrolment center https://nimc.gov.ng/nimc-enrolment-centres You can also go to NIMC approved enrolment centres, and your Service Providers to enrol for NIN.  

You need a valid Government issued ID card and BVN if you have one to enrol for NIN. Please visit: https://nimc.gov.ng/how-to-enrol-adults/ 

No

 It is a process of attaching your NIN to your phone number to validate the person who registered the SIM Card. Please note that your phone number will NOT be linked to your NIN if the KYC information in your SIM Registration doesn’t match with the details of the NIN you submitted to your Service Provider.

1. Confirm your NIN (by either checking your NIN enrolment slip issued by NIMC or dialing *346#.
2. Generate and submit your Virtual NIN (VNIN) to your network provider(s) via the online, USSD or other channels provided.
3. Your Mobile Network provider will then validate the submitted NIN on NIMC database and link the SIM to NIN if validation is successful.

Virtual NIN is an encrypted, coded representation ("disguised") version of an individual’s actual NIN, which another party verifying the number cannot retain and use in a way that puts the individual’s data privacy at risk.

You can generate your Virtual NIN via USSD or through the NIMC MWS Mobile ID App following the steps below:

1. To generate a Virtual NIN via USSD, dial *346*3*Your NIN*AgentCode#
2. An SMS message will be sent back to you containing the Virtual NIN generated for you.
3. To generate a Virtual NIN via the NIMC MWS Mobile ID App, launch the MWS Mobile ID app installed on your device (Android or iOS). Make sure you have the current version of the app installed or updated on your mobile device.
4. Enter your PIN on the lock screen to continue.
5. Select the "GET VIRTUAL NIN" button on the "Home" screen.

Yes, you can register a maximum of 4 SIM cards per network operator. This is exclusive of SIMs that you may wish to use in your IOT devices.

Yes, they are restricted to the specific IoT service for which they were purchased for.

No. A Corporate Entity can register any number of SIMs on the condition that all the SIMs are linked to the company representative’s NIN (Telecom Master) and linked to a secondary NIN (i.e. the NIN of the person assigned the SIM by the Corporate.) This SIM also counts towards the maximum of 4 SIMs that a person can have on a network. Corporate IOT SIMs are only required to be linked to a Telecom Master’s NIN as they are restricted to only communicating with the Server or URL required for the Corporate to provide a service e.g. Car Tracking.

You are to immediately go to your operators shop with your NIN, proof of ownership & usage (frequently dialed numbers, last recharge, frequent browsing websites etc.) of the SIM Card, then re-register.

• To mitigate identity fraud and other online crimes.
• To improve and enhance national security, as well as accelerating economic planning and development.
• To establish customer identity that will be useful for Know Your Customers (KYC) initiatives.
• To validate SIM card registration records and allow it to be used as a digital identity.

To verify your NIN, visit NIMC website https://nimc.gov.ng/ 

NO, there is no proxy NIN/SIM Linkage for individuals (except for Corporate Organization)

You can send your NIN to your service provider using *996# from each number. You can also contact your Service Provider for more information on how to link more than one number.

Dial *996# or you will receive an SMS confirmation from your operator when your NIN has successfully been linked to your SIM Card.

No

If you did not receive a message from your service provider that your submitted NIN has been received, then your NIN submitted was not received by your service provider.

Please visit https://www.nimc.gov.ng/diaspora  for details on diaspora enrollment centers.

Foreign nationals who are legal residents in Nigeria can enroll for NIN at any NIMC enrollment center at https://nimc.gov.ng/nimc-enrolment-centres/ 

Yes

Yes, your line will be barred.

Yes, your service provider will inform you.

You should visit one of the outlets of your service provider to rectify it.

Yes, every line owned by a subscriber is required to be verified as every line have their individual KYC. The verification process is to ensure all lines are linked to a subscriber in line with the verification process as defined in the relevant policy and regulatory instruments. Post this initial verification exercise conclusion, multiple line verification will be possible.

Yes, there is an online verification mechanism available currently fully operational on MTN and Airtel networks. While other networks are in the rollout phase of the solution.

Yes, online self-verification is acceptable and authentic.

September 14, 2024.