Forgetting your National Identification Number (NIN) can be frustrating, especially when you need it for a bank transaction, SIM-related service, passport application or another process that requires identity verification.
The good news is that Nigerians who have previously enrolled for the NIN do not have to register again simply because they cannot remember the number.
There are ways to retrieve the NIN, including using the USSD service provided for the purpose.
How To Retrieve Your NIN With Your Phone
If you still have access to the phone number you used when you enrolled for your NIN, you can try retrieving the number through the USSD service.
The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), citing the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), says you can dial “*346#” on your phone and select the option to retrieve your NIN. The service can only retrieve the number when you use the phone number that was registered with your NIN.
Follow these steps:
- Dial “*346#” from the phone number linked to your NIN.
- Select the option to retrieve your NIN.
- Follow the instructions displayed on your screen.
- Provide the required details where requested.
- Your NIN should be displayed or sent to you if the retrieval request is successful.
The availability of the service may depend on network conditions and other factors.
What If You No Longer Use The Phone Number?
This is where things can become more difficult.
NIMC’s guidance says the USSD retrieval option works with the phone number used during your NIN enrolment. If you no longer have access to that number, you may need to visit a NIMC office or an authorised enrolment centre for assistance.
It is advisable to go with any identification or NIN-related document you still have available, such as your old NIN slip.
Check Your Old NIN Slip
Before visiting a NIMC office, check your personal documents carefully.
Your NIN is an 11-digit number and is printed on the NIN slip issued after enrolment. The NCC says the number can be found at the top left-hand corner of the slip.
If you have a photograph, photocopy or digital copy of your NIN slip stored somewhere, check it as well.
What If You Have Lost Your NIN Slip?
Losing your NIN slip does not mean you have lost your NIN.
NIMC provides a process for re-issuing NIN slips in cases including loss, damage or theft. The commission’s current information lists re-issuance as an available service.
However, the process for obtaining a replacement slip is different from simply retrieving a forgotten NIN number.
If your main problem is that you cannot remember the number, try the USSD retrieval option first or contact NIMC for assistance.
You Can Also Use NIMC’s Mobile ID
NIMC operates a Mobile ID service that allows enrolled individuals to access a digital identity profile.
However, the commission says you need your NIN and the phone number used during enrolment to set up the Mobile ID app. This means the app is more useful for people who already have access to their NIN rather than someone trying to retrieve a forgotten number for the first time.
Be Careful With Websites Offering NIN Retrieval
People trying to recover their NIN should be careful about websites, apps or individuals claiming they can retrieve the number for a fee.
NIMC warns Nigerians against submitting their NIN or BVN to unauthorised applications and websites. The commission also advises the public not to make payments through unauthorised websites or social media pages offering NIMC services.
Use NIMC’s official platforms and authorised service channels instead.
What To Do If You Still Cannot Retrieve Your NIN
If the USSD option does not work or you no longer have the phone number linked to your NIN, contact NIMC or visit a NIMC enrolment centre for assistance.
NIMC currently lists its customer-care email as nimccustomercare@nimc.gov.ng and provides a toll-free line 08000616462 as well as a call-centre number 0700 2255 646.
Final Tip
Once you successfully retrieve your NIN, keep a secure copy of your NIN slip or number for future use.
At the same time, avoid posting your NIN publicly or sharing it with people or websites that have no legitimate reason to request it. NIMC advises Nigerians to keep the number protected and only disclose it to relevant authorities or legitimate services when necessary.
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