About NIN
The National Identification Number (NIN) consists of 11 non-intelligible numbers assigned to citizens of Nigeria and legal residents at the completion of enrollment into the Nigerian National Identity Database (NIDB).
The NIN is designed to tie all records about a person in the National Identity database. The NIN shall be the basis of which the Federal, State, and Local government shall interact with every citizen of Nigeria and legal residents.
Once a NIN is assigned to an individual, it can never be reassigned, given or used by another person – that makes it unique in nature.
In the case of the demise of an individual, his/her NIN is retired once a death certificate is presented to the Commission and the individual’s death is established.
All citizens and legal residents in Nigeria, from age zero (birth) and above are eligible to enrol for their NINs.
The NIN should be closely guarded by individuals and not revealed to all and sundry except to relevant authorities when requested (for instance it shouldn’t be disclosed online over social media and should not be printed along with contact details on business cards or other office stationery).
Why You Need Your NIN
It is used to match you with your biometric data and other details in the National Identity Database during verification and authentication.
The NIN is set to be used for all transactions in Nigeria requiring identity verification so you’ll be using your NIN for
- obtaining your National e-ID card
- travel (international passport application & acquisition)
- opening personal bank accounts
- getting your driver’s license
- obtaining your Permanent Voters’ Card
- participating in the National Health Insurance Scheme
- payment of your taxes
- transactions related to your contributory pension scheme
- access to welfare and other relevant services from the Nigerian Government
- transactions with social security implications
- land transactions subject to the Land Use Act
- any other transactions NIMC may so prescribe and list in the Federal Government Gazette