NIN and NIMC App

NIN is an innovative measure that the NIMC created in its bid to create a formidable database for Nigeria. The commission helps gather, regulate, and monitor the access to the accumulated database of Nigerians 

The article details the right procedures as laid down by the NIMC on how you can enrol and register for NIN. In addition, there is an information section in the post where the answers to some of the common questions about the NIN process. 

Also, check out How to Establish a Driving School in Nigeria.

What is NIN?

NIN is an acronym that stands for National Identification Number, a uniquely generated 11 digits for each citizen of the country. It is a national identity document and it gives access to the holder’s records stored in the country’s database. Every citizen of the country is meant to have one to be a part of the country’s database.

Importance of NIN

NIN is important to you as an individual and a Nigeria citizen for the following reasons

Verification Purposes

You can use your NIN for several verification purposes in cases where they are needed. For example, it is possible to register a new bank account with your NIN because it is a link to your records such as fingerprints, facial pictures, and personal information.

Prevent Impersonation and other fraudulent crimes: It is tough to carry out the impersonation of another person, especially in cases that need verification. The NIN is unique for everyone as no two people can have the same NIN or the same information. 

National e-Id card

You can only have your National e-ID card only if you have a NIN therefore it is important to enrol for your NIN.

NIN is also beneficial to the Government in the following areas:

Generating reports and statistics

The database helps minimise the cumbersome discrepancies that come with generating reports and statistical data. The Government has a database that it can use to develop policies, programmes, and budget planning. 

Tackle Corruption

Tracing and tracking fraudulent activities and transactions is easier with NIN. Banks and anti-corruption agencies can seamlessly exchange vital information because of NIN to nab the culprits.

Use in maintaining the credibility of elections: NIN is tied to all of your national identity documents such as the voter’s card. Therefore, falsification of the age is not possible as the database records will reflect the true age. Hence, the credibility of elections is sure to improve when only eligible voters are allowed to vote. 

Also, check out All You Need to Know about the Nigerian Driver’s License.

How to get your NIN 

Every citizen of Nigeria is eligible to enrol for getting a NIN, however, the number will only be assigned to you only if you are 16 years of age, 

The enrolment process is simple enough for anyone who wishes to enrol for the procedure

The procedure 

First, start the enrolment process online, this is known as the pre-enrolment process. It is beneficial as it saves you the time and stress of queuing up at the enrolment centre starting the process afresh.

The process involves you downloading the enrolment from the portal. Fill out the correct information in the form. However, you can get the enrolment form at the NIMC enrolment centre if you do not want to start the process online or maybe the service is not available at the moment you need it.

Also, you can ask the officials in the case of questions about unclear information on the form for better clarification. It is important to know that whatever information you fill in will be recorded in the database therefore endeavour not to make mistakes and ask questions when not clear.

The next step is to visit the enrollment centre for registration. The process is somehow hectic but you have to preserve. If you are lucky enough, you get it done on time.

Nevertheless, the whole registration process is not stressful as all you need is to perform biometric registration and capturing. The attending official also makes sure that the supplied information on your form is correct before entering them into the system. 

At the end of the registration, the attending officer will provide you with a slip (transaction slip) which contains the tracking Id. The tracking id is used to monitor the status of your NIN. Please note that the tracking number is not your NIN number. Also, you need to keep the slip as it is the ticket to get your NIN when it is ready. 

The collection of the card containing the NIN varies for different people, some last for two weeks or even more. However, the commission makes it easy as you can print your NIN when it is ready from any accredited enrollment centre as long as you have the tracking id. 

From the aforementioned explanation, you can deduce that the process is not a long one and is very straightforward. The next section of the article focuses on some of the general questions and answers that most people ask about the process and other activities related to it. 

Can I enrol for NIN twice?

No, it is a punishable offence to register twice for NIN. Register once and that’s all. If you have any complaints with NIN, you can contact the support page on their website. Furthermore, there is an opportunity to correct mistakes should that be the reason why you want to register twice. 

Does NIN have an expiry date?

Absolutely No, once an individual gets a NIN, the number sticks with the person forever and it can only be used to access and verify such a person’s records. 

How long does it take validation for NIN? 

Validation of NIN takes place between 1-5 working days. Although, there are cases where people complain of not getting theirs validated on time. You can experience delayed validation however, you need to exercise patience and keep checking in. 

I can’t log in to the NIMC app with my details

Several things could contribute to this. First, your version of the app may be outdated, If that is the case, try to update to the latest version and try to log in.

Ensure You cross-check the details you are entering on the app to see if they match and are the required information. Also. note that if you enter the wrong password, access is denied. The solution is to click on forget password and follow the process to reset the password. 

However, if you perform any of the solutions above then it means that your NIN is yet validated and is under due process. 

How to get my NIN if I forget or lose it? 

You can get your NIN in case you lost the slip or you cannot vividly remember the number. You can retrieve it by 

By dialling *346# on your mobile phone, select retrieval and wait for a notification containing your NIN. It is faster when you use the mobile number you registered with during the enrolment for your NIN.

Nevertheless, you can also use any of your phone numbers but you will supply some information peculiar to you as a security measure to retrieve your NIN. 

The other way is to visit any NIMC enrolment centre near you to supply. You will need to supply information such as Date of birth, phone number and thumbprint to get your information from the system. 

However, if you need a printout of the slip, you will need to pay N500 through the Remita channel at the bank of your choice. Submit the Remita payment slip at any enrolment centre near you to begin the process. 

Can I change my name on my NIN?

Yes, you can modify your name maybe because of a marriage or a mistake in the registration process. 

Visit any NIMC enrolment centre near you to start the application for the modification. You will need the following documents 

• An affidavit to attest to the change of name
• Newspaper Extract that indicates the change of name
• A letter stating the reason for the change.
• Marriage Certificate, this is for those that are changing their name due to marriage.

You will make payment through the Remita channel for the modification. Take the remit slip alongside those aforementioned documents with the NIN slip to the NIMC office.

You will get a modification form in which you will write down the changes you want to make. The attending officer will crosscheck it to ensure there is no mistake before submitting the form. You will get a transaction slip and be advised to come back for the updated NIN slip.

The process cost just N500 as the service fee and you are to pay through Remita Channel.

Can you change your date of birth?

Yes, it is possible and very similar to the modification of your name. The difference is the fee which is N15,000 and the documents required.

Click here to learn more about other modifications you can make and those you cannot plus the documents needed

How to know if an enrollment centre is fake?

Scammers are parading as NIMC officials and charging people for fake registration. To not fall victim you can check for the authenticity of the enrolment centre by checking if they are accredited by NIMC. Click here to see a list of the enrolment centre on the NIMC website. 

Is it possible to get NIN living outside the country

Yes, it is possible as NIMC has partnered with agencies and embassies in various countries to make the process easy and fast for Nigerians living abroad.

Click here to know about the necessary information on the documents, licenced agencies, and fees for the whole process

NIMC APP

The NIMC app is a software application launched by NIMC to create a virtual version of the NIN. The app comes in handy when you want to print your NIN slip and show your ID for verification purposes.

The app is available at https://nimcmobile.app where you can download the authentic and updated version of the app. You can also visit the Google play store to download the app but be wary of counterfeit apps. Learn more about how you can use the app and the features available by clicking here

Final Notes on NIN and NIMC

NIN is important for any citizen of Nigeria as it stands because without it means that an individual record is not in the database of the country. The number is unique for each citizen and the procedure to get one is easy. You find some tangible information on NIN and other related information in this post. 

Before you go, check out the Nigerian States and their Capitals.