How to Retrieve and link National Identity Number (NIN) to Glo, MTN, Airtel and 9mobile

Last Updated on February 14, 2025 by admin

Welcome to National Identification Numbers (NIN) Information Center where you can get all the information you need about your NIN.- Do you want to learn how to retrieve your NIN number, track your card when it will be available or check if your details is valid or you want to learn how you can link your MTN, GLO, AIRTEL AND 9MOBILE with your NIN ? if yes continue reading.

After you enroll for NIN you should be able to carry out your Verification using the National Identification Number (NIN) also you should you able to retrieve your NIN conveniently using your mobile phone.

Last week my younger sister wanted to open an account with the first bank but unfortunately she wasn’t able to due to her NIN challenge because she was told that the NIN number is a bank verification “BVN” generated Number.

To avoid this kind of story it’s better you understand the process and Guide on how to Check and Retrieve your National Identity Number (NIN) on Phone via USSD code method.

Don’t remember where you kept your NIN slip or forgot your PIN, Not to worry, NIMC’s USSD service enables you to retrieve your NIN conveniently using your mobile phone though it has a charges of NGN 20

How to retrieve NIN

To retrieve your National Identification Number (NIN), you can use the USSD code provided by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). Here are the steps:

From your registered phone number, dial *346#.
Follow the prompts and select the “NIN Retrieval” option by typing ‘1’.
If you are using the same phone number you enrolled with, follow the on-screen instructions and provide the required inputs.
You will receive your NIN on your phone screen.

Please note that using this service attracts a N20 (twenty naira) fee only (deducted from your phone credit balance).this can be done from MTN, GLO, Airtel and 9mobile.

2. Visiting a NIMC Enrollment Center:

Locate the nearest NIMC Enrollment Center (ERC). You can find a list of centers on the NIMC website.
Visit the ERC with a valid means of identification (e.g., international passport, driver’s license, voter’s card).
Request for your NIN to be retrieved.
Your identity will be verified, and your NIN will be provided to you.

3. Using the NIMC Mobile App:

Download and install the NIMC Mobile ID app from your phone’s app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store).
If you have previously registered, log in with your credentials. If not, you can register using your details.
Once logged in, your NIN should be displayed on your profile page within the app

How do you know if your permanent National Identity Card is ready?

There are a few ways to check if your permanent National Identity Card is ready in Nigeria:

NIMC Website:
- Visit the National e-ID Card Issuance portal on the NIMC website.
- Scroll down and find the link to check the status of your card.
- Enter your NIN and other required details.
- Click on the “Check Now” icon.
- The website will display the status of your card.
NIMC Mobile App:
- Download and install the NIMC Mobile ID app on your smartphone.
- Log in with your NIN and other required details.
- Check the app’s dashboard or notifications for information about your card’s status.
SMS:
- You might receive an SMS from NIMC when your card is ready for collection.
Visit Enrollment Center:
- If you haven’t received any notification, you can visit the NIMC enrollment center where you registered. They can check the status for you.

Please note that it might take some time for your card to be ready after enrollment. Be patient and check regularly using the methods above.

Why is NIN linking important?

The Nigerian government, through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has mandated NIN linking to improve security and curb fraudulent activities associated with SIM cards. Failure to link your NIN may result in your line being blocked.

The linking of National Identification Numbers (NINs) to SIM cards in Nigeria is a crucial initiative by the government with several important objectives:

1. Enhanced Security:

By linking SIM cards to NINs, it becomes easier to trace and identify individuals involved in fraudulent activities, scams, and other crimes committed using mobile phones.
NIN linking can help security agencies track and apprehend individuals involved in terrorist activities, as communication and coordination often rely on mobile devices.

2. Improved Identity Management:

The NIN-SIM linkage contributes to building a comprehensive and reliable national identity database, which is essential for various purposes, including planning, development, and security.
By verifying the identity of SIM card users, the initiative helps to reduce cases of identity theft and fraud.

3. Curbing Fraudulent Activities:

Linking NINs to SIM cards makes it more difficult for fraudsters to clone SIM cards and use them for illegal activities.
By verifying the identity of individuals conducting financial transactions using mobile phones, the initiative can help to reduce cases of mobile money fraud and other related crimes.

4. Supporting National Planning and Development:

The NIN-SIM database provides accurate demographic data that can be used for national planning and development purposes.
By having a reliable identity system, the government can improve the delivery of social services and ensure that they reach the intended beneficiaries.

5. Promoting Transparency and Accountability:

NIN-SIM linking reduces anonymity in mobile phone usage, making it easier to hold individuals accountable for their actions.
By strengthening identity management, the initiative contributes to improved governance and transparency in various sectors.

NIN-SIM linkage is a vital step towards enhancing security, improving identity management, curbing fraudulent activities, supporting national development, and promoting transparency in Nigeria.

It is a crucial component of the government’s efforts to create a safer and more secure environment for all citizens.

How to link Your mobile to NIN

If you are Not sure how to link your NIN to your MTN, Glo, Airtel and 9mobile line? Here are steps easy ways to do so now!

How to link NIN To MTN

Linking your National Identification Number (NIN) to your MTN line is a mandatory process in Nigeria. Here’s how you can do it:

*1. Using the USSD Code (996#):

Dial *996# on your MTN phone.
Select the option to link your NIN (usually by typing ‘1’).
Enter your 11-digit NIN.
Follow the prompts to confirm the linking.

2. Through the MyMTN App:

Download and install the MyMTN app from your phone’s app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store).
Log in to the app.
Look for the NIN linking banner or section.
Enter your 11-digit NIN and submit it.

3. Via the MTN NIN Link Portal:

Visit the MTN NIN linking portal at https://nin.mtn.ng/ on your computer or phone browser.
Enter your phone number and email address.
You’ll receive an OTP on your phone. Enter the OTP to proceed.
Follow the instructions to submit your NIN.

4. By SMS:

Send an SMS in this format: NIN-Your 11-digit NIN to 996 (e.g., NIN-12345678901 to 996).

5. Visiting an MTN Store:

Visit any MTN store near you with your NIN and SIM pack or proof of SIM registration.
An MTN customer service representative will assist you with the linking process.

How to link NIN To Glo

It’s important to link your National Identification Number (NIN) to your Glo line as it’s a mandatory requirement by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Here are the ways you can do it:

*1. Using the USSD Code (109#):

Dial *109# on your Glo phone.
You might be prompted to select an option to link your NIN. If not, dial *109*Your NIN# (e.g., 10912345678901#).
Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the linking.

2. Through the Glo NIN Portal:

Visit the Glo NIN registration website (you can search for it on Google).
Enter your phone number, email address, and NIN.
Follow the instructions on the portal to complete the linking process.

3. By SMS:

Send an SMS in this format: NIN-Your 11-digit NIN to 109 (e.g., NIN-12345678901 to 109).

4. Using the NIMC Mobile App:

Download and install the NIMC Mobile ID app from your phone’s app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store).
Log in to the app.
Look for the option to link your phone number and follow the prompts.

5. Visiting a Glo Store:

Visit any Glo store near you with your NIN and SIM pack or proof of SIM registration.
A Glo customer service representative will assist you with the linking process.

How to link NIN To Airtel

There are a few ways to link your National Identification Number (NIN) to your Airtel line:

USSD Code:
- Dial *996*Your 11-digit NIN# from the Airtel line you want to link.
- If you don’t have your Virtual NIN (VNIN), dial *346*3*NIN*121097# to get it before proceeding.
Airtel Self Care App:
- Download the Airtel Self Care App from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Log in or create an account.
- Follow the NIN banner to submit your NIN details.
Airtel NIN Portal:
- Visit the Airte NIN Portal
- Enter your Airtel phone number and email address.
- Click on “Send OTP” and enter the OTP you receive on your phone.
- Enter your 11-digit NIN and click “Submit.”
Airtel Store:
- Visit any Airtel store and provide your NIN and phone number to the staff. They will assist you in linking it

How to link NIN to 9Mobile

There are several ways to link your NIN to your 9mobile line:

USSD Code:
- Dial *996# on your 9mobile line.
- Follow the prompts to either verify your linked NIN or enter your 11-digit NIN to link it.
- Note that it costs N20 to generate a Virtual NIN (vNIN) if you need one for the linking process.
9mobile NIN Portal:
- Visit the official 9mobile NIN portal
- Enter your phone number and click on “Proceed.”
- An OTP will be sent to your line. Enter the OTP to validate.
- Enter your NIN and click “Submit” to complete the process.
NIMC Mobile App:
- Download the NIMC Mobile App from your app store.
- Open the app and select “Link My Number.”
- Follow the prompts, select 9mobile as your network provider, and enter your phone number and NIN.
- Wait for a verification code and enter it to complete the linking process.