Edited by BellaRose Okojie
The federal government has once again extended the deadline for NIN-SIM linkage to accommodate those who have not done theirs. The Nigerian government had announced that citizens must connect their National Indentification Number (NIN) to their mobile lines, adding that the penalty for not doing so would result in barring lines.
Why the government wants you to link NIN to your phone number
The main reason behind the need for the NIN-SIM linkage is to enable the government create a comprehensive database of its citizens. It also helps keep track of every transaction you make. Also, by just presenting your mobile number, all information about you (NIN, means of identification, etc) can be accessed. This move by the Nigerian government is potentially to clean up the civil service and parastatals but also serves individual citizens.
To get your NIN, simply visit any NIMC Enrolment Centre physically. Take your BVN (if you have one) and a means of identification with you. Enrolment is 100% free, but if you have your NIN, you need to link it to your line to avoid getting kicked off the network.
How to link your NIN to any network
Below are the steps for customers to link their NIN with their mobile lines, depending on your network. provider
- Airtel: Simply dial *121# on your mobile phone, a few options will pop up on your screen. To proceed with the linkage, type in 1 and send to select NIN capture. The next step is to type in your 11-digit NIN, you’d get a message confirming your linkage. If an error occurs, just keep trying.
- GLO: GLO users can simply dial *109*NIN# to give the network provider necessary information about them.
- MTN: If you are using MTN, then dial *785*your NIN# on your phone and your line will be linked. You can use this code everywhere you go!
- 9Mobile: *200*8# will help 9Mobile users link their lines with the database, hence giving them the right to keep making calls.
How to link your NIN to multiple phone numbers
Asides from using USSD codes to link your line, you can use the NIMC mobile app. First download the NIMC app via PlayStore or the App Store, then input your NIN and mobile number to the app and request for your OTP, which will be sent to your line in under 1 minute. The OTP received will be used to verify your line on the app, and you can link as many phone numbers as you wish to your NIN.
Take these steps now to avoid being disconnected and the stress of going to a network provider’s office to get your line up and running.