Following the order given by the Federal government On the linkage of National Identification Number, NIN, many Nigerians are not sure of how to link NIN To sim cards, hence the need to carefully read through this article for insights.
The government had earlier issued the order through the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, who gave telecommunication operators two weeks ultimatum to block all SIM cards that are not registered before it was later extended (read more here)
Meanwhile, the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC has published a practical way of retrieving one’s National Identification Number, NIN.
How To Recover NIN
On how to recover NIN, Citizens who are already enrolled in the NIMC scheme but have lost their NIN are to dial *346# to retrieve the NIN on MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile.
How To Link NIN To Sim Cards
Check out the few steps to link your phone number with your NIN.
MTN users are to dial *785# and get it done in few seconds or Visit MTN NIN using their phone or computer.
Airtel Users are to dial *121# on the Airtel.
Other networks (Glo and 9mobile) users were advised to visit the nearest office of their service provider with NIN and SIM pack.
National Identity Number (NIN) Slip And Mobile App
Isa Pantami NIN, in the meantime, the Minister has approved the release of an improved National Identity Number (NIN) slip and a Mobile App as part of the Federal Government’s policy to improve the process of obtaining NIN and linking it to SIM.
Meanwhile, the N20 and N40 fees for NIN verification by individuals and Mobile Network Operators, respectively, were also waived.
The NIMC Mobile App and the improved National Identification Number (NIN) Slip are now available for public use.
According to the commission, the App provides a secure channel for all Nigerians and legal residents to easily verify and authenticate their identities on-the-go using smartphones.
It also enables them to link the NIN to their phone numbers. The development of the App and other tools to support the National Identity Number (NIN) process align with the National Digital Economy Policy for a Digital Nigeria.
Alleged Extortion
On the issue of alleged extortion by some NIMC officials, the commission warned that the punishment for extortion if convicted is 7 years improvement in accordance with sections 14, 20 and 21 of the independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC Act.
SIM Replacement Policy For Subscribers
Also, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy has approved a SIM Replacement Policy for subscribers whose SIMs have been lost, stolen, misplaced, or damaged subject to the following conditions:
The policy includes the presentation of a NIN, effective verification of the NIN by NIMC and
adherence to relevant guidelines and Regulations of NCC concerning SIM replacement.