Losing your National Identification Number (NIN) slip can be a major inconvenience in Nigeria today. From SIM registration to opening bank accounts, your NIN is now a mandatory requirement. Don’t panic—retrieving it is straightforward.
This expert guide provides the complete, official procedures to recover your lost NIN in Nigeria. We cover the free USSD method, online portals, and physical NIMC enrollment centres, with clear steps tailored for Nigerian residents.
Requirements / What You Need
Before you begin the process to retrieve your lost NIN, gather the following items. Having these ready will save you time, especially if you visit a busy NIMC centre or experience network issues while using the online methods.
- Your Registered Phone Number: This is the single most important requirement. The number must be the one you linked to your NIN during enrollment or subsequent updates. If you have lost access to that line, the process becomes more complex.
- A Valid Nigerian ID: For verification at an enrollment centre, bring an original and a photocopy of any of these: International Passport, Driver’s License, Voter’s Card, or Government ID Card.
- Basic Biometric Information: Be prepared to provide your full name, date of birth, and registered address as captured during your initial enrollment.
- Patience and Possible Data/ Airtime: The USSD method requires a small airtime deduction. For online methods, ensure you have data; consider a stable cyber café if your home internet is unreliable.
- Important Note: The standard retrieval of your NIN via USSD (*346#) or the NIMC portal is free of charge. You only pay if you request a physical NIN slip or PVC, which costs ₦500 at approved NIMC centres.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Try the USSD Code Method First (*346#)
This is the fastest way to retrieve your NIN if you have your registered phone line. Simply dial *346# on your mobile phone. A menu will appear; follow the prompts (usually by replying with “1” for “NIN Retrieval”). Your 11-digit NIN will be sent to you via SMS within minutes. Watch out for network congestion, especially during peak hours; if it fails, try again later. This method only works on the specific phone number linked to your NIN.
Step 2: Use the NIMC Mobile App or Website Portal
If USSD fails, go digital. Download the “MWS: NIMC MobileID” app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Alternatively, visit the NIMC official portal: nimc.gov.ng. Look for the “Verify NIN” or “Retrieve NIN” service. You will need to input your registered phone number and possibly your name. The portal may send an OTP (One-Time Password) for verification before displaying your NIN. Be patient; the NIMC portal can sometimes be slow or temporarily down. Using a browser on a laptop at a cyber café can sometimes be more stable than a phone.
Step 3: Visit the Nearest NIMC Enrollment Centre
If both digital methods are unsuccessful (e.g., you lost access to your registered number), you must visit a physical NIMC centre. Go to the centre where you initially enrolled or any other official centre. Explain that you need to retrieve your lost NIN. You will be asked to present a valid ID for verification and to provide your biometrics (fingerprints). The officer will look up your details in the database. Go early in the morning to avoid long queues, and be prepared to spend several hours.
Step 4: Request a Replacement Slip or PVC (Optional)
Once your NIN is retrieved, you can request a physical copy. For a printed NIN slip, you will pay ₦500 at the centre. For the more durable plastic NIN card (PVC), you may need to request it specifically; there might be an additional fee or waiting period. Ensure you get an official receipt for any payment made. Do not pay any agent or officer more than the official fee.
Alternative Methods
Beyond the standard steps, several alternative channels exist to retrieve your NIN, often useful in specific situations. If you are a student or staff of a federal or state university, check with your institution’s ICT or student affairs unit. Many schools partnered with NIMC for mass enrollment and may have a dedicated desk to assist with retrieval and re-printing of slips, often at a reduced hassle.
For a more guided approach, you can visit an approved Private Enrollment Agency licensed by NIMC. These agencies, found in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, often have shorter queues and more streamlined digital systems than crowded government centres. They are a better option if you need expedited service and are willing to pay their service fee on top of the official NIN slip charge.
Finally, some commercial banks with robust BVN-NIN integration desks can help you verify or retrieve your NIN if you are already a customer and performing a linkage. This method is best if you are already at the bank for a related issue, but it is not a guaranteed service at all branches. Always call your bank’s customer service first to confirm.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: “The USSD code is not working or I get ‘Transaction Failed’.”
This is often due to network issues or insufficient airtime on the exact line linked to your NIN. Solution: First, ensure you have at least ₦20 credit. Try the code at off-peak hours, like early morning or late evening. If it persistently fails, use the NIMC mobile app as an alternative, or visit a cyber café to access the NIMC portal via a stable internet connection.
Problem: “I have lost the phone number registered to my NIN.”
This is a major hurdle, as all digital verification methods rely on that number. Solution: You must visit an NIMC enrollment centre in person. Carry a valid government-issued ID. You will undergo biometric verification (fingerprint) to prove your identity. After verification, you can update your phone number in the system—a crucial step to avoid future issues.
Problem: “My details on the NIMC portal are incorrect (wrong name, date of birth).”
You cannot use a NIN with incorrect biodata for official transactions. Solution: Do not attempt to retrieve it for use. You must initiate a NIN Data Modification at an NIMC centre. This requires supporting documents (like a birth certificate or affidavit) to correct the error. This process is separate from retrieval and may involve a fee and a waiting period.
Problem: “Extreme delays and ‘Network’ issues at the NIMC centre.”
It’s common to be at a centre for hours only to be told “the network is down.” Solution: Go as early as possible, preferably on a weekday (Tuesday-Thursday). Call the centre ahead if possible. If the system is down, ask for a specific date to return or if they have an appointment system. Patience and multiple visits are, unfortunately, a realistic part of the process.
Fees, Costs and Timeline
Understanding the official costs prevents you from being overcharged. Retrieving your NIN number itself is free via USSD, the NIMC app, or portal. However, if you need a physical copy, the standard fee for a printed NIN slip at any NIMC office is ₦500. The plastic NIN card (PVC) may also be issued for the same fee or a slightly higher charge, depending on the centre.
Be wary of agents or touts at crowded centres who may demand ₦1,000 to ₦3,000 for “fast-track” services. This is an unofficial charge. Always insist on paying at the official desk and collect a receipt. Timelines vary: USSD retrieval is instant, portal retrieval takes minutes, but a physical visit can take 3 to 6 hours due to queues. For data correction or number updates, expect the process to take up to 48 hours to 1 week to reflect across all systems.
Warnings and Scams to Avoid
- Fake Websites and Phishing Links: Only use the official NIMC portal (nimc.gov.ng) or the verified “MWS: NIMC MobileID” app. Avoid links sent via SMS, WhatsApp, or social media promising “quick NIN retrieval,” as they are designed to steal your personal and banking details.
- Overcharging Agents and Touts: At physical centres, unofficial “agents” may approach you offering faster service for a fee of ₦2,000 or more. Politely decline and proceed to the official counter where the maximum fee for a slip is ₦500.
- WhatsApp/Telegram “Registration Agents”: Scammers pose as NIMC officials in online groups, asking for your details, photos, and payment to “help” you. NIMC does not operate through WhatsApp for enrollment or retrieval. Never share your NIN, BVN, or OTP with anyone online.
- Fake “Linkage” Requests: You may receive calls claiming your NIN will be blocked unless you “link” it immediately by providing information. This is a scam. NIN linkage for SIMs or banks is done directly with the service provider, not via a random caller.
Acceptance, Use and Next Steps
Your retrieved NIN is your valid, lifelong identification number. It is fully accepted across Nigeria for all official and regulatory purposes. You must use it for SIM registration and linkage with all your phone numbers, bank account opening and BVN linkage, international passport application, tax registration (Tax Identification Number – TIN), and enrollment into government schemes like the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
Your immediate next step should be to securely store your NIN. Write it down in a safe personal record, save it in your password-protected phone notes, and take a clear photo of your slip. Then, proceed to complete any pending linkages, starting with your mobile network providers to avoid SIM barring.
Note that while the NIN number is key, some institutions, especially for international processes, may still request to see the physical slip or PVC as supporting documentation. Therefore, consider printing and laminating the slip for durability after retrieval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I retrieve my NIN online without my registered phone number?
No, you cannot. The online and USSD retrieval methods are strictly tied to the phone number linked to your NIN for security. If you have lost access to that number, your only option is to visit an NIMC enrollment centre in person with a valid ID for biometric verification. There, you can retrieve your NIN and update your phone number record.
How long does it take to get the NIN slip after paying ₦500?
At the enrollment centre, you should receive the printed NIN slip immediately after payment and processing. The entire process at the counter typically takes just a few minutes once you reach the front of the queue. However, if the system is down or there is a printer issue, you may be asked to wait or return later.
Is there a way to get my NIN for free?
Yes, absolutely. Retrieving your 11-digit NIN number is free via the USSD code (*346#), the official NIMC mobile app, or the NIMC website portal. You only pay the ₦500 fee if you require a physical printed copy of the NIN slip or the plastic PVC card from an enrollment centre.
What if my NIN shows another person’s name or wrong details?
Do not use a NIN with incorrect data, as it will cause rejection during verification. You must apply for a NIN Data Modification at an NIMC centre. This requires an application form, supporting documents (like an affidavit or birth certificate), and a fee. This is a separate, more involved process than simple retrieval.
Can I use my NIN slip for international travel?
No, your NIN slip is not a travel document. For international travel from Nigeria, you need a valid Nigerian International Passport. However, your NIN is a mandatory requirement when applying for or renewing your passport at the Nigerian Immigration Service office, so you must have it ready.
I did my NIN enrollment years ago but never got a slip. What should I do?
This is common. First, try to retrieve your NIN using the USSD code with the phone number you used then. If successful, your record exists. You can then take the retrieved number to an NIMC centre, request a verification, and pay ₦500 to print the official slip. Your biometrics are already in the system.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes to assist Nigerian residents based on publicly available procedures from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). While we strive for accuracy, official processes and fees may change. Always verify critical information directly with NIMC via their official website or accredited centres. We are not affiliated with NIMC and do not provide official NIN services. Users are solely responsible for their interactions with third-party service providers.