Different ways to Check NIN Number – National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is a statutory Nigerian organization established by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007. It is mandated to establish, own, operate, maintain, and manage the National Identity Database in Nigeria.
The commission is responsible for registering persons covered by the act, assigning a Unique National Identification Number (NIN), and issuing General Multi-Purpose Cards (GMPC) to Nigerian citizens and legal residents. NIMC’s services cover National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment and issuance, National e-ID card issuance, identity verification, data harmonization, and authentication.
The NIN is a set of 11 non-intelligible numbers assigned to an individual upon successful enrollment, and it is used to tie all records about an individual in the database and to establish or verify their identity.
NIMC is also engaged in the harmonization and integration of data with various agencies across Nigeria to ensure smooth operations. The commission is committed to promoting the highest standard of ethical behavior among its management and employees, with core values that emphasize transparency, promptness, integrity, excellence, and professionalism.
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Different ways to Check NIN Number
The National Identification Number (NIN) is a unique identification system in Nigeria that serves as an essential identifier for citizens and residents. There are different ways to check your NIN number, including online and offline methods. Here are some of the ways to check your NIN number:
- USSD Code: Dial *346# from the phone number associated with your voter’s card, driver’s license, or BVN registration. Follow the prompts to retrieve your NIN number. This service costs ₦20.
- Online: Download the NIMC mobile app from the Google Play Store. After installing the app, enter your NIN number to check your details.
- Validate NIN: Go to any national identification management office in your area and request the national identification number validation form. Fill in the required details in the form and submit it back. Make a payment of four thousand naira. Your NIN will be valid again.
- NIN Tokenization: NIN tokenization helps to protect an individual’s data privacy via the use of an encrypted, coded representation (“disguised”) version of the NIN rather than the actual NIN itself in day-to-day transactions. User IDs, QR codes, the Virtual NIN, and even verification log details on the MWS Mobile ID app are all types of NIN tokenization in that they all hide the NIN of the user.
It is important to note that the NIN serves as an important identification tool, so it’s crucial to keep it secure and easily accessible when needed for various official transactions or processes. The NIN should be closely guarded by individuals and not revealed to all and sundry except to relevant authorities when requested.
How to Obtain a National ID Card in Nigeria
To obtain a National ID card in Nigeria, you need to first enroll for the National Identification Number (NIN) at any National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) registration center.
The NIN is a set of 11 non-intelligible numbers assigned to an individual upon successful enrollment, and it is used to tie all records about an individual in the database and to establish or verify their identity. Here are the steps to obtain a National ID card in Nigeria:
- Visit any NIMC registration center close to you.
- Fill the enrollment form with your personal details, including your name, date of birth, address, and phone number.
- Submit the form and provide your biometric data, including your fingerprints, head-to-shoulder facial picture, and digital signature.
- After successful enrollment, you will be issued a Transaction ID Slip containing your NIN.
- You can then proceed to apply for the National e-ID card, which is issued by NIMC. The card is a multi-purpose card that serves as a means of identification, a debit card, and an access control card.
- You will be required to pay a fee for the card, and it will be issued to you after verification of your biometric data.
It is important to note that the NIN serves as an important identification tool, so it’s crucial to keep it secure and easily accessible when needed for various official transactions or processes. The NIN should be closely guarded by individuals and not revealed to all and sundry except to relevant authorities when requested.
What is the Cost of a National ID Card in Nigeria
Obtaining a National ID card in Nigeria is free of charge. According to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, the registration and procurement of a National Identity Card is compulsory for all registrable persons in Nigeria, and the registration is free and has no age restrictions. Therefore, there is no cost associated with obtaining the National ID card in Nigeria.