Of course, these are the top network operators in the country. In December 2020, the Nigerian government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) mandated all network providers in the country to stop new SIM card registration. It further instructed the network providers to ensure that all SIM card owners submit their NIN to them, citing security reasons and proper identification. This development has led to unrest by the citizens and many has called for the Federal Government to extend the date initially set as deadline which is December 30, 2020. This is because many Nigerians don’t even have national ID card from NIMC hence no national identification number. Additionally, it’s a very busy festive period plus the ravaging Corona Virus Pandemic. Fast forward it to the year 2022 when the Federal Government instructed all the Telecom operators in Nigeria to block all SIM cards that is not linked to any valid NIN. Now, people have no option than to get their NIN and link it to their various SIM cards. But be it as it may, if you have your National Identification Number, you don’t have to physically go to your network providers office to submit yours, rather you can do it from the comfort of your home using a USSD short code.
How to Submit Your NIN to Your Network Provider
Below, you will find the codes to link or submit your NIN (national identification number) to your network provider.
For MTN Users
Dial *785#
Enter your 11-digit NIN Tap “SEND“
You will receive a message like this sample.
Alternatively, you can link your NIN to your MTN line by dialing 785NIN#.Other method is online by visiting MTN website for linking NIN to SIM and filling the NIN linking form by entering your name, phone number, NIN, and email address. Then wait for a response.
For Airtel Users
Dial *121# on the Airtel line. Enter 1 for “NIN Capture” Tap on “send“. Enter your 11-digit NIN and send. You will receive a confirmation message.
For Glo Users
For now, there is no USSD code to dial. So visit any Glo office close to you with your NIN and SIM pack to link your National Identification Number to your Glo line.
For 9mobile Users
Also visit any nearest 9mobile office with your NIN and SIM pack to link your NIN to your line to avoid disconnection.
How To Retrieve Your NIN
Note that if you have already enrolled for NIMC but lost your NIN, you can retrieve it by dialing this code *346# from your smartphone. The code works for all networks.
How To Get Your NIN
Meanwhile, if you haven’t ever gotten your National Identification Number before, you can get it from reputable cyber café operators in your state or from your Local Government Councils.
