NIN is also known as National Identity Number and is given to only citizens above 16 years old after successful enrolment in NIMC centers. During enrolment, the citizen’s information is collected, including their 10 fingerprints, facial picture, and digital signature which are stored in the National Identity Database (NIDB) with a unique NIN.
The NIN is made up of 11 randomly chosen numbers assigned after the completion of enrollment. Each NIN is peculiar to each individual and can not be awarded to another person even after their death. It can not be reassigned or used by another citizen. It should be safely guarded and not be told to unauthorized persons. It can also be used to detect criminal activities, hence, the reason why every citizen should avoid posting their NIN on social media.
Why you need NIN
NIN can be used for various transactions in Nigeria such as:
- Obtaining a national ID card.
- Applying for an international passport
- Acquiring driver’s license.
- Land transaction
- Criminology investigation
- Banking transaction.
- Access to some incentives from the government.
- Transaction related to the pension scheme.
- Registration of sim card
- Payment of taxes etc.
Code to Check NIN
To check the NIN number on the Airtel line, follow these steps:
- Visit the call app on your phone
- Dial *346#
- When you call the code, several alternatives will appear on your screen. Don’t be in a rush, check the options first.
- Choose the “NIN retrieval” option by typing 1.
- You should be aware that this service will cost you 20 Naira; the money will be taken from your mobile phone network.
- Your NIN number will appear on your screen when the airtime has been deducted from your account.
With the process above, you will successfully check your NIN number on the Airtel sim. However, it’s important to know how to link your NIN to Airtel sim.
How to link NIN number to Airtel sim
Follow the steps below to link your NIN to the Airtel sim using the USSD code.
- Write out your NIN number
- Visit the call app on your phone
- Dial *121*1# on your Airtel sim and follow the on screen instructions.
- Your NIN will instantly be connected to the Airtel SIM card after you dial the USSD code.
- Congratulations! You’ve updated your NIN on your Airtel SIM card successfully.
By following the above steps you will easily link your NIN to your Airtel sim card.
NIN is an important identity for every Nigerian, especially in this period where sims not linked with NIN are being blocked. If you have lost your NIN number or wish to check whether you’ve linked it to your Airtel sim, follow the steps above and you will be able to find answers to your questions.
Steve Edegbo is the team lead at Naijatechhub.com. Naijatechhub is a team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best up to date information on topics in Nigeria. If you need more information, kindly contact us.
