National Identification Number: Here is how to check using a USSD code

UPDATE: You can now link up to 7 phone numbers with your NIN using the NIMC mobile app. Here's how.

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), created in 2010, was mandated by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007 to register people the Act covers and give each person a unique National Identification Number (NIN).

According to the NIMC, the essence of each individual having an NIN is part of a measure to create a national identity database and to put a stop to both double identity and identity fraud. Upon registration, individuals will be provided with an NIN and eventually a national ID card.

In 2018, the NIMC revealed plans to complete issuing electronic identity cards (e-ID) to 70 million Nigerians by the end of December 2019. However, with many people complaining about not having the e-ID after the registration, it appears that the commission has not met its target.

It's been 6 years since I registered for national ID card but NIMC still claim the card ain't ready yet 😅. A whole 6 years ain't enough time to print card?

— E-zrael Ani (@EzraelAni) January 9, 2020

It's more than 4 years since I registered with NIMC for my National ID and it's not ready yet. A four years old child has started walking and even working.

— Slimfit (@iSlimfit) January 9, 2020

The day registered for Tax Identification Number (TIN) was the day I got it
They just took my photograph and fingerprints and in less than 20 minutes the card was ready

Why can't NIMC adopt this same method?
I mean it's been 5 years now and my National ID card isn't ready
How?

— CllayBaba (@Cllaytus) January 9, 2020

In addition, the commission is also expected to provide citizens, as well as others legally residing within the country, with a General Multi-Purpose Card (GMPC).

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The GMPC is embedded with a payment chip to enable users to withdraw cash from an automated teller machine (ATM). Consequently, the commission partnered with Chams consortiums, OneSecureCard consortium, SecureID, and Iris Technologies to provide the data capture services and the GMPC.

How to check your NIN using USSD code

If you have enrolled for the national ID card scheme, you can get your NIN by dialling *346# from the phone number associated with your voter's card, drivers licence, or BVN registration.

Ensure you have at least ₦20 airtime on your line and then dial the code. Then you either write or take a screenshot when the NIN is displayed on the screen as it will not be displayed more than once.

At the moment, the USSD code works on MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile.

In other news, the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) has suspended the use of the NIN to register for UTME and direct entry exams until 2021. The registrar of the board, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, said the decision was a result of the technical issues that affected the registration system at the NIMC.

NIN IS SUSPENDED FOR 2020 REGISTRATION. CANDIDATES ARE TO ONLY SEND THEIR NAMES TO 55019 TO CREATE PROFILE. NO NEED FOR NIN FOR 2020 REGISTRATION.

— JAMB (@JAMBHQ) January 11, 2020

Intending applicants are to send their names to 55019 to create an applicant's profile on any Nigerian network (MTN, GLO, 9mobile, and Airtel).