How to Get NIN in Nigeria & Diaspora

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The NIN (National Identity Number) is a set of 11 random digits assigned to a Nigerian citizen that serves as a means of identification after successful enrollment.

This important document is used by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). They collect and store your digital signature, ten fingerprints, head-to-shoulder facial photos, and demographic information before issuing your NIN. The NIN is not a temporary document; it is permanent and does not expire.

Your NIN is your lifelong identity and will not change. Photo credit: NIMC​

In this article, I will be listing out the process of obtaining your NIN in Nigeria, and also for the Nigerians in the diaspora.


How to Get Your NIN in Nigeria
If you are aged 16 or above, simply visit a nearby NIMC enrollment center and remember to bring along a supporting document. Your information will be verified on the NIN verification portal to confirm whether you've previously registered.

If you haven't registered before, you'll proceed with the enrollment process. However, if you have registered previously, your old NIN will be retrieved. These procedures are provided free of charge, except for any printing and lamination services.

Any of the following documents including your Bank Verification Number (BVN) is what is needed to register and get your NIN:

• Old National ID Card
• Nigerian International passport
• Voter’s card (Temporary or Permanent)
• Driver’s License
• Certificate of Origin
• Birth certificate
• Declaration of age
• Government staff ID card
• Attestation letter from a prominent ruler in your community
• Attestation letter from religious/traditional leader
• NHIS ID card
• School ID Card (private/public)
• Registered/recognized private organization staff ID card
• Valid immigration documents
• Tax Clearance certificate
• Nigerian Commission for Refugees (NCFR) Refugee Certificate
• Refugee Factsheet
• Refugee ID card

For children below 16 years old
A parent or guardian with a valid NIN and their child's original birth certificate is required for a child to be enrolled. The parent or guardian will be asked to provide their NIN during the registration process.

A guardian might also be asked for evidence of their relationship with the child.


Click this link to see the list of enrolment centres in Nigeria. https://nimc.gov.ng/nimc-enrolment-centres/

 

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How to Get Your NIN in the Diaspora
The diaspora enrollment initiative was started in 2019 by NIMC to enroll Nigerians who are living abroad in the National Identity Database and guarantee that they will also benefit from obtaining their National Identification Numbers (NIN).

The NIMC has partnered with several private companies to issue NIN to Nigerians in the diaspora, including several countries in the continents of Africa, Asia/Middle East, Europe/Oceania, and the Americas.

The Companies carrying out the registrations are only allowed to operate in countries they are qualified to operate and they must abide by the laws of those nations regarding data protection and privacy as well as the established norms and restrictions outlined in their individual licenses.

Click on this link to check the approved and activated Licensed Partners operating in your country of residence: https://nimc.gov.ng/nimc-enrolment-centres/#diasp


Process of Getting Your NIN in the Diaspora

1. Go through the list of approved license partners on the NIMC Diaspora portal to see the list of partner(s) operating in your country of residence and also prepare your valid Nigerian Passport or an Authentication letter from the Nigerian Embassy/Mission in your country of residence stating that you are a Nigerian citizen if you don't possess a Nigerian Passport.

2. Visit the website of your chosen Licensed Partner and access the "PRE-ENROLMENT" (CR NEW) link. This will redirect you to the pre-enrolment portal of the National Identity Management Commission. Follow the provided instructions to complete the pre-enrolment process.

3. After completion, a 2D barcode will be generated instantly. Save this barcode on your phone or print it out.

4. Proceed to make payment on the Licensed Partner's website and save proof of payment on your phone or in printed form.

5. Schedule an appointment on the Licensed Partner's website for the biometric data capture at the specified office address in your country of residence.

6. Bring along your breeder document (valid Nigerian passport or an Authentication letter from the Nigerian Embassy/Mission in your country of residence), proof of payment, and the saved 2D Barcode to the designated office address.

7. Upon arrival, your height will be measured, and the 2D barcode will be scanned. You'll review your information, and your biometrics (10 fingerprints, facial picture, and signature) will be captured.

8. Indicate your preference for receiving the NIN slip (paper or digital) **(Please note that the digital service is not yet activated. NIMC currently issues the NIN on a security paper).

9. Your breeder document will be scanned, and your enrolment details will be sent to the NIMC Backend, generating a transaction slip on ordinary paper for you.

10. If there are no issues with your registration (e.g., no resemblance of your biometrics with another in the NIDB database or no attempt at double registration), your NIN will be promptly issued.

11. The enrolment officer will print your NIN on a NIN Slip and provide it to you. You'll sign a collection register as confirmation.

12. Your NIN serves as your identity and should be used for all transactions requiring proof of identity.

13. In case of a "hit" on your enrolment (where your biometrics match another existing biometric in the NIDB), you will receive a Transaction Slip instead of a NIN Slip. You'll be informed when your registration is cleared, typically within 2 weeks of enrolment.

14. The Database Team at the NIMC office in Abuja, Nigeria, will review any such "hit". If confirmed, your enrolment will be cleared, and your NIN will be sent to your email address or phone number. Alternatively, you can contact the office where you enrolled to obtain a printed NIN slip.


For Children of a Nigerian Parent(s) below age 16
1. One of the Nigerian parents must have registered and obtained the NIN before the start of the enrollment process for children under 16 years old. The parent(s) must also provide their child's birth certificate during enrollment.

2. Parents should visit the website of their chosen Licensed Partner and access the "PRE-ENROLMENT" link. This link will direct them to the pre-enrolment portal of the National Identity Management Commission specifically for under 16 years enrollment (ER NEW). Follow the provided instructions, including providing the parent's NIN, to complete the pre-enrolment process.

3. After completion, a 2D barcode will be generated instantly. Save the 2D Barcode on your phone or print it out. It's important not to fold the barcode.

4. Make payment on the Licensed Partner's website and retain evidence of payment on your phone or in printed form.

5. Schedule an appointment on the Licensed Partner's platform.

6. The parent takes the child to the designated location/address provided in the country, along with supporting documents (such as the parent's NIN for verification) and the original copy of the child's birth certificate for on-site scanning.

7. Children under 16 years old will only receive the NIN and are not eligible for the GMPCard until they reach 16 years old, when their biometrics are fully developed.

8. The child's NIN will be linked to the parent's NIN until the child turns 16 years old and their biometrics are captured and stored in the NIDB.