This post contained what National Identification Number (NIN) is, the NIN registration, how to enrole/ enrolement steps and the importance/ benefits of NIN. What to use NIN for and Premium and Non- Premium Services offered by National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
What is NIN?
The National Identification Number (NIN) is a set of numbers assigned to an individual upon successful enrolment. National Identification Number (NIN) is issued by National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) of Nigeria. The enrolment of NIN consists of the recording of an individual’s demographic data and capture of the ten (10) fingerprints, head-to-shoulder facial picture and digital signature, which are all used to cross-check existing data in the National Identity Database to confirm that there is no previous entry of the same data.
Read: How to Link NIN to MTN, GLO, 9Mobile and Airtel Lines
Once this (de-duplication) process is completed the data is then stored with a unique NIN that was assigned to it. The NIN once issued to a person cannot be used again, (that is, it cannot be issued to another person even if the previous person is dead). It is the NIN that helps to tie all records about a person in the database and is used to check the identity verified.
NIN Registration
Eligibility For NIN
It is mandatory for every citizen and legal resident to enrol for the National Identification Number (NIN). The process is the same whether you choose the self-service or you require an assisted service.
Pre-Enrolment (Online). This is the “do it yourself whenever and wherever you are” process of enrolment. For this option of the enrolment process, the applicant visits the official website of NIMC (www.nimc.gov.ng) and pre-enrols online using the Pre-enrolment Portal (https://penrol.nimc.gov.ng/), filling in his/her data in block letters, then confirming the accuracy of the data provided. The applicant finally prints out a summary sheet that has a 2D barcode.
At a NIMC enrolment centre, the 2D barcode is scanned with the applicant’s details then directly captured on to the enroller’s computer system.
It is important to note that the Online Pre-Enrolment is an initial step in the enrolment process. The enrolment is only completed after the applicant gets his or her biometric data (fingerprints, headshot photograph and signature) captured and processed by an Enrolment Officer at any NIMC Enrolment Centre.
Downloading and Using the Enrolment Form
Rather than filling in the online pre-enrolment form and printing out a summary sheet with the 2D barcode, an applicant can also download the Enrolment Form to print out and fill. To download your enrolment form online go to www.nimc.gov.ng. Fill all forms in block letters and proceed to the nearest enrolment Centre for biometrics capturing in order to obtain the National Identification Number (NIN). Note: you can also pick up an enrolment form at NIMC’S ERC.
Read: NMDPR Permit Requirements
NIN Registration / NIN Enrolment Steps:
Step 1
Visits NIMC website to access the Pre-Enrolment form, fill online or downlod, print and fill the form.
Step 2
Applicant fills the Enrolment Form online, prints out a summary sheet with a 2D Barcode and heads to any NIMC Enrolment Centre.
Step 3
Applicant verifies and confirms the enrolment data on the system.
Step 4
Applicant has his/her headshot photograph, fingerprints and signature captured.
Step 5
Applicant has his/her supporting documents scanned.
Step 6
Applicant’s enrolment is acknowledged; two slips are generated and given to the applicant: (a) Transaction Slip (b) NIN Slip indicating completion of enrolment.
Important things to know About National Identification Number (NIN)
- The National Identification Number (NIN) consists of 11 non-intelligible numbers randomly chosen and assigned to an individual at the completion of enrolment into the National Identity Database (NIDB).
- Once a NIN is assigned to an individual, it can never be reassigned, given or used by another person – that makes it unique in nature.
- In the case of the demise of an individual, his/her NIN is retired once a death certificate is presented to the Commission and the individual’s death is established.
- The NIN is used to tie all records about an individual in the database and is also used to establish or verify his/her identity.
- All citizens and legal residents in Nigeria, from age zero (birth) and above are eligible to enrol for their NINs.
- The NIN should be closely guarded by individuals and not revealed to all and sundry except to relevant authorities when requested (for instance it shouldn’t be disclosed online over social media and should not be printed along with contact details on business cards or other office stationery).
- Enrolling for and obtaining the NIN is FREE.
Read: NCEC Certificate Registration
Key Uses of National Identification Number (NIN)
- International Passport: NIN is Mandatory for obtaining your Enhanced e-Passport in Nigeria.
- Own Bank Account: Central Bank of Nigeria has made it mandatory for all banks to harmonizing Bank Verification Number (BVN) with NIN. This means ‘No NIN No Financial Services’.
- Pension Scheme Enrolment: It is mandatory to use of NIN for all existing Retirement Saving Account (RSA) holders.
- Driver’s License: NIN is mandatory to obtain Nigerian Driver’s License.
· To Write Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board exam that is a requirement for tertiary institution admission.
- Customs clearance: NIN is mandatory for Customs clearance during online purchases.
- And many more.
Non- Premium Services offered by (NIMC)
| S/N | SERVICE DESCRIPTION | CHARGEABLE (NAIRA) |
| 1. | ENROLMENT AND ISSUANCE OF 1st NIN SLIP | FREE |
| 2. | NIN SLIP REISSUE | 500.00 |
| 3. | Request for written certification / confirmation of Identity (Inclusive of delivery by courier within Nigeria) | 30,000.00 |
| 4. | Correction of date of birth (Day, Month, Year or all) | 15,000.00 |
| 5. | Modification of any other field other than DoB- per transaction (Names, address ETC) | 500.00 |
| 6. | RE- issuance of pin for issued card – | 1,000.00 |
| 7. | Card Re-Issuance & Activation | 5,000.00 |
Premium Services offered by NIMC
Enrolment and Verification Services offered at Licensed Premium Lounges, Visa Processing centers and Pre-booked services. Eligible providers Licensed by the NIMC offer these services. The Services are Pre-Paid through any of the subscription bundles below.
Enrolment Services
| S/N | SERVICE DESCRIPTION | CHARGEABLE (NAIRA) |
| 1. | Enrolment (data capture) | 3,000.00 |
| 2. | Pre-Enrolment Verification | 100.00 |
| 3. | Enrolment System Activation License (Per Enrolment System) | USD 160 |
Note: all NIMC payments are made through Treasury Single Account (TSA) Payments Using Remita