FAQs

NIN Enrollment consists of the recording of an individual’s demographic data and capture of the ten (10) fingerprints, head-to-shoulder facial picture and digital signature, which are all used to cross-check existing data in the National Identity Database to confirm that there is no previous entry of the same data.

The specific steps are as follows:

1. Have documents to confirm your Nigerian citizenship. This is your Nigerian passport, your parent’s passport or an authentication letter from the Nigerian Embassy/Mission in your country of residence.
2. Complete the pre-enrollment form online or at our location. Once completed, a 2D barcode will be generated immediately.
3. Book your appointment online for the biometric data capture at the address indicated for your country of residence and save evidence of payment
4. Take along passport, evidence of payment and the 2D Barcode to the office address provided.
5. On arrival, your height measurement will be taken, and you will be asked to review your information. Once the review is completed, your biometrics (10 fingerprints, facial picture and signature) will be taken.
6. Your passport and supporting documents will be scanned.
7. Your enrollment will be sent to the NIMC Back-end and a transaction slip will be issued to you.
8. If there is no issue with your registration (i.e. your biometrics does not conflict with any another in the database, your NIN will be generated and sent back to the enrollment center. Thereafter the enrollment officer will issue your NIN to you.
9. If there is a conflict, (your biometric resembles another in the database), the enrollment officer will need to contact the Database Team in Abuja to sort out the issue. In many cases, the enrollment data has been transmitted to the database through the ongoing harmonization of data with other federal government agencies & the BVN.

• The numbers are auto generated and issued by NIMC from their database in Abuja in Nigeria

• The data captured during passport process is not complete and is for that purpose only while that captured by NIMC is for all purposes which includes future passport capture, driver license, voter’s registration, etc. The NIN is used by Nigerian both within and in the diaspora to access public services. Also, the National Identity Management Commission is by law the custodian of civil identity in Nigeria and it is the body to be able to identify and verify Nigerians.

• The term ‘biometrics’ commonly refers to measurable physical characteristics that are unique to an individual such as fingerprints, facial structure, the iris or a person’s voice.
• Biometrics will be collected using a quick, discreet and non-intrusive process that captures a facial image with a digital camera and a 10-digit fingerprint scan with a digital finger scanner.

• The biometric enrolment is processed during enrolment of NIN application and takes up to 10 minutes.

• Yes, we can support you at the enrolment center at nominal cost. Please schedule an appointment and walk in to the nearest Enrolment Centre where you will be guided on correctly filling the Enrolment Form.

• You need to present your supporting documents at the point of enrolment. As a part of enrolment process, your supporting documents will be scanned and immediately returned to you.

• Your details will be vetted by Enrolment Officer to crosscheck the information filled on the pre-enrolment form against the supporting document provided by you.
• In case of mismatch you will have to re-apply for a new application with the correct information.

• The Transaction ID Slip is an evidence of the transaction at the enrolment center. If your application is in order, enrolment officer will guide you to proceed with the capture of biometrics (ten finger prints and facial image) and collect the Transaction ID Slip.
• The Transaction ID Slip is required to be stored carefully by applicant as it is required to be presented at the time of collection of NIN Slip indicating completion of enrolment.

• You will receive an Email (SMS if opted for SMS service) notification that your NIN Slip has been generated.
• You can ideally collect your NIN slips at the same enrolment centers where you enrolled, but in certain circumstances they can request the NINs be transferred to other centers of your choice.
• Applicants are expected to collect their NIN Slip with 5 days of receipt of Email / SMS intimation.
• It is highly recommended that you opt for return shipping facility as this helps avoid long driving hours, parking fees and waiting time at the enrolment Center. The shipping option is convenient way to receive your NIN slip without leaving comforts of your home.

• All applicants residing outside Nigeria (citizens and legal residents of Nigeria) have the opportunity to submit their application at the nearest Enrolment Centre (ERC) by booking appointment and then submitting their enrolment application along with requisite original and valid supporting document and relevant fees.

• The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) with the help of accredited vendors are enrolling all Nigerians both within and outside the country. This move is to make it possible for Nigerians in the Diaspora to enjoy the benefits of being included in the National Identity Database.
• Applicants residing outside Nigeria have the facility to submit their application at nearest enrollment Centre by taking appointment as per their convenience .

• For diaspora registration, the fees/charges go into infrastructure, operational, administrative costs, and other expenses incurred in bringing the services to the doorsteps of Nigerians in the diaspora.
• These costs are borne by diaspora partners or accredited vendors of The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) whereas in Nigeria, these costs are subsidized by government. As a result, the partners charge the recommended fees for diaspora enrolment. This move is to make it possible for Nigerians in the Diaspora to enjoy the benefits of being included in the National Identity Database.

• The NIN is being harmonized with BVN (biometric verification number) for Nigeria bank accounts, but not to non-Nigerian bank accounts.

1. Contact the enrolment centre.
2. Complete the form for modification and upload the following documents
   • An application letter detailing the change(s) with cogent reasons for the change(s).
   • Documentary evidence of the correct date/month or year of birth certified by a notary public (e.g. Sworn Affidavit, Newspaper Publication etc.)
3. Pay the required fees
4. Print or save (on your phone/device) the acknowledgement generated
5. Await the decision of the governing board within 7 (seven) working days.

Yes you can use your expired passport provided you have a secondary, valid, and current  government-issued proof of identity, with details matching the expired passport. For example a Drivers license

Yes, you do need to register. The NIN that’s associated with your BVN is only reserved and not validated. It only becomes valid after you are registered and have your biometrics captured in the NIMC database.

So if someone already has a BVN, we check if such person, has a NIN reserved or not. If they do, we complete the process by adding their information and biometrics to the NIN database. If they do not have a NIN reserved, we register them.