In this post, we’ll discuss how to link your NIN with your SIM or phone number so that you’ll not be blocked from using your mobile line in the next two weeks.
The NCC issued out a circular warning that whoever doesn’t link their National Identification Number with their SIM will be blocked from using their mobile lines.
This report was made viral by the Special Assistant to president Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad.
“The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given telecommunications operators (MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9Mobile and others) in the country two weeks to block all SIM cards that are not registered with the National Identity Numbers (NIN), the Commission has said in a statement,” he wrote in a tweet.
In case you’re wondering how it’s done, this guide is intended to help clear.
How to Link Your NIN with Your Phone Number
MTN Users
Option 1.
To link your NIN with your MTN phone number, carry out the following steps:
- Visit https://mtnonline.com/nim/ using your phone or computer
- Complete the NIN linking form by entering your name, phone number, NIN and email address.
- Submit the form as soon as you’re done.
- Wait from feedback from the network in a couple of days.
The MTN NIN linking page appears as shown in the image above.
Option 2.
To link your your NIN with your MTN SIM using USSD, follow the steps below:
- Dial *785# using the MTN you wish to perform the linking on.
- Type 1 for “Enter your 11-digit NIN” and send.
- Enter your 11-digit NIN and send.
Wait for the network to give a confirmation of your submission. You may get a message saying “Network error.”
Don’t panic if you do! Just wait for some time and try it again.
Airtel Users
To link your NIN to your Airtel phone number, follow the steps below:
- Dial *121# on the Airtel line you wish to link.
- Type 1 for “NIN Capture” and send
- Enter your 11-digit NIN and send.
Wait for the message confirming your submission. If you get an error, just wait for some time and try again.
Other networks (Glo and 9mobile)
For now, Glo and 9Mobile have not commenced sim linking with NIN. As soon as they commence, we will update this post to reflect the steps you must follow to carry out the linking.
However, to get yourself ready to be able to carry out the linking of your NIN with your phone number here’s what you must do:
- Visit any NIMC office near you and apply for your National Identity Card if you haven’t
- Register and obtain your temporary ID slip which will contain your NIN
- Keep your NIN details in a safe place so that you’ll be able to provide them when necessary.
What if you forgot your NIN and don’t have the slip?
If you don’t know your NIN, just dial *346# on the SIM card you registered with the National Identity Management Centre (NIMC).
A message containing your NIN will be displayed, just copy it somewhere safe.
Note that checking your NIN via the USSD provided above costs N20 only.