Only one USSD code allows you to check your National Identification Number (NIN) in Nigeria. The code is “*346#”, offering an offline service that enables Nigerians to retrieve their NIN with ease. So, if you’ve forgotten your NIN or need it urgently to complete a form, worry no more, as you can quickly use USSD codes to check your NIN without any lengthy process.
The National Identification Number (NIN) consists of 11 unique numbers assigned to each Nigerian citizen upon enrolment in the National Identity Database (NIDB). Banks, passport offices, and other recognised authorities in Nigeria have started enforcing the use of NIN for account creation and registrations.
NIN is mandatory for identity verification within Nigeria, including with the e-citizen app, a digital platform that allows people and businesses to authenticate valid registrations and documents.
NIN Scenarios
Here’s a list of the most common things that require your NIN in Nigeria:
- Account opening with Nigerian banks, including Microfinance Banks (MFBs)
- Business registrations
- New passport applications
- Passport renewal, even while residing in a foreign country, outside Nigeria
- Participate in investment schemes, such as treasury bills and Money Market Fund.
- Provides access to social services and government aid
- Apply for Federal Government loans for SMEs and students
- Processing of driver’s licence applications in Nigeria
- JAMB exam registrations
- Student financial aid applications, such as the PTDF scholarship
- Customs clearance when you purchase items online from overseas through e-commerce platforms, like Amazon
- To enroll for pension, as well as for existing Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders
Key Takeaways about NIN retrieval via USSD
Before dialling the USSD code to retrieve your NIN, bear the following facts in mind:
- You do not need a smartphone, tablet, or PC with an internet connection to retrieve your National Identification Number using the USSD code *346#.
- You can use the USSD code to retrieve your NIN anytime and any day, because the whole process is automated. However, ensure there’s good network reception where you are.
- Your NIN is a confidential number, so consider using your own phone to keep it private.
- You can view your NIN instantly using the USSD code. In rare cases, it may take a moment, usually due to network issues.
- You must use the phone number linked to your National Identification Number to initiate the retrieval process.
- There’s no limit to the number of times you can check your NIN yearly using the USSD code.
- The service charge deducted from your airtime is non-refundable. So, do not expect that your network provider will send your airtime back if your request was unsuccessful.
What you need to check NIN via USSD
To check your NIN offline, you’ll need to prepare the following items to aid the retrieval process.
- A mobile phone, which can be of any kind
- An active SIM card, such as the MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9Mobile SIM card you used to register for your National Identification Number (NIN) with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
- ₦20 airtime for the mandatory service charge
How to Use USSD code to retrieve your NIN
Follow the instructions below to check your NIN on any mobile phone in Nigeria:
Step 1: Dial the USSD code: First, dial *346# on your mobile phone and tap ‘Send.’ Then, wait a moment for the system to process your request. Alternatively, dial *996# on your phone and select option ‘3’.
Step 2: Enter ‘1’ to initiate the NIN Retrieval process: Once the system shows the menu, press ‘1’ to select the NIN Retrieval option and let the system handle your request again.
Step 3: Acknowledge the service fee deduction: You’ll see a prompt on your screen informing you that a service charge will be deducted from your airtime. Enter ‘1’ and send to acknowledge the fee deduction and NIN Retrieval process.
Afterward, you’ll be able to see your NIN displayed on your screen, rather than being sent to your phone via SMS. This measure helps keep your NIN secure.
If the NIN USSD service is down and you’d like to take a guess, you can install the e-citizen mobile app to confirm whether you got it right. The app offers a range of cheap services and is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store at zero cost.
What you should avoid doing after viewing your NIN via USSD
- Never let anyone use your NIN for registration and application purposes, such as new SIM card registration. It can make you responsible for a crime you didn’t commit.
- Tear off the piece of paper where you noted your NIN. Since you can always access the USSD service to retrieve your NIN, you do not need to keep it for long.
- Do not screenshot the NIN to have its copy in your phone’s gallery. Instead, save it as a contact and enable phone lock to ensure privacy. You can also set a security PIN on your SIM card in case you misplace your phone.
- Never let anyone keep a record of our National Identification Number other than recognised bodies and authorities, like CBN-regulated banks or the Nigeria Immigration Service (passport office).
How to link your NIN to your SIM Card
- Dial *996# on your mobile phone.
- Enter ‘3’ to create a Virtual NIN.
- Input your NIN and generate an Enterprise ID using the same USSD code. Alternatively, dial *346*3*your NIN*Enterprise ID#.
- Then, follow the prompts to complete the linking process.
Conclusion
Using the USSD code to check your National Identification Number is straightforward, no matter what mobile phone you own. Make sure you have sufficient airtime on your line and are initiating the NIN check with the SIM card linked to your registration. If the request fails initially, do not retry immediately. Instead, take a few hours before dialing the code.
If the USSD service does not work for you or you have lost access to your NIN-registered SIM card, don’t hesitate to consider other options, such as the MWS: NIMC MobileID mobile app for smartphones (Android and iOS).
