How To Check Your NIN In Nigeria

Your NIN is an 11-digit number you need for things like banking, registering your SIM and accessing government services. But if you’ve ever written it down and lost the paper, you know how frustrating it can be when you suddenly need it.

Maybe your bank asks for it, or your network sends you a warning about your SIM, and you find yourself searching through old messages for those 11 digits.

Don’t worry, you don’t need your original NIN slip to retrieve your number. There are a few ways to get it back, whether you still have the slip or not. In this guide, we’ll show you how to retrieve your NIN using the code available through mobile networks like MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile, how to check your NIN on the NINAuth app, and what to do if you’ve lost your slip and can’t use the code.

The code to check your NIN

The USSD code to check your NIN is *346#.

Dial it from the phone number linked to your NIN and follow the prompts to retrieve your number. A service fee applies, which is deducted from your airtime. Check the fee displayed on your screen before confirming, and make sure you have a little credit on the line before you dial.

How to check your NIN on your phone

The code works the same way on every network. Here’s what to do:

Use the SIM linked to your NIN. The code retrieves the NIN associated with the number you’re dialling from, so use your registered line.
Make sure you have enough airtime. A service fee applies, so check the current charge before proceeding.
*Dial 346#.
Select the NIN retrieval option from the menu.
Wait for your NIN to appear. Your 11-digit number should show on your screen.
Write it down or take a screenshot so you don’t have to pay for the check again. If you’d prefer a digital way to access or save your NIN, the NINAuth app keeps it for you, and we’ll get to that below.

MTN

To retrieve your NIN on MTN, dial *346# from the phone number linked to your NIN and follow the prompts. There’s no separate MTN code for retrieving your number; *346# is the NIN retrieval code.

If you want to link your NIN to your MTN line instead, dial *785#. You can find the steps in our guide on how to link your NIN to your phone number.

Airtel

Dial *346# from your Airtel line and follow the prompts to retrieve your NIN. Airtel’s *121#, is for linking your NIN to the line, not for checking what your NIN is.

Glo

If you use Glo, dial *346# to retrieve your NIN. Don’t confuse this with Glo’s NIN linking process, which asks you to enter your NIN rather than retrieve it.

9mobile

On 9mobile, dial *346# from the number linked to your NIN and follow the prompts. Make sure you select the retrieval option, not a service that asks you to enter your NIN to link it to your line.

How to check your NIN on the NINAuth app

NINAuth is NIMC’s official app for managing your digital identity. You can use it to access your NIN details and download an official copy of your NIN slip for free, so you don’t have to pay for a new copy whenever you need one. Here’s how to get started:

Download NINAuth from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Open the app and follow the registration instructions. You’ll need your NIN and may be asked to complete facial verification.
Once your account is set up, follow the prompts to access your digital identity details.
To download your NIN slip, tap Do More with NINAuth, select NIN Slip, and download your copy. You can then print it whenever a bank or office requires a physical copy.

NINAuth also has a NINLock feature to help protect your identity and gives you control over how your information is shared with organisations.

If facial verification fails, check that your face is clearly visible and follow the app’s troubleshooting instructions before trying again. If the problem persists, contact NINAuth support.

What to do if you’ve lost your NIN slip

Losing your NIN slip doesn’t mean you’ve lost your NIN. Your number remains in NIMC’s database. What you should do next depends on whether you still have access to the phone number linked to your NIN.

You still have your registered number: Dial *346# and follow the prompts to retrieve your NIN. You can then set up NINAuth and download a fresh copy of your slip for free.
You’ve lost access to your registered number: Contact NIMC or visit an enrolment centre for help retrieving your record. Take any valid identification you have, and ask what documents are required to verify your identity. You can find centres through the NIMC website.
You’ve never enrolled: You’ll need to register for a NIN before you can retrieve one. Visit the NIMC website to find an enrolment centre and confirm the current requirements. NIMC lists adult NIN enrolment as free.

If you need help, you can contact NIMC through its toll-free line on 0800 061 6462 or email nimccustomercare@nimc.gov.ng.

How much does it cost to check your NIN?

Here’s what you may need to pay, depending on how you retrieve your NIN or update your details:

USSD code (346#): A service fee applies and is deducted from your airtime.
NINAuth app: The app is free to download, and you can download your NIN slip for free.
Reprinted NIN slip: The price varies and depends on the NIMC center.
Changing your details: NIMC charges fees for certain modifications, including corrections to your name, address or date of birth. These charges are separate from NIN retrieval fees.

You only need to pay modification fees if you want to correct or update information on your NIN record.

What your NIN is used for

You’ll probably need your NIN more often than you expect. Here are some common situations where it comes in handy:

Opening a bank account: Banks require NIN information as part of applicable customer identification and verification requirements.
Registering or replacing a SIM card: Your network provider may ask for your NIN to register or verify your phone line.
Accessing government services: You may need your NIN for services such as passport applications, driver’s licence applications, JAMB registration and certain government programmes.
Loans and identity verification: Financial institutions and other organisations may request your NIN to verify your identity, depending on the service.

Frequently Asked Questions About NIN

What is the code to check my NIN?

Dial *346# from the phone number linked to your NIN and follow the prompts. The code works across MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile. A service fee applies, so check the current charge before dialling.

Can I check my NIN without the SIM it’s registered to?

You can’t retrieve your NIN using *346# from an unrelated phone number. If you’ve already set up the NINAuth app, try accessing your details there. Otherwise, contact NIMC or visit an enrollment centre to find out how to retrieve your NIN without your registered number.

What’s the difference between NIN and BVN?

Both numbers have 11 digits, but they serve different purposes. Your NIN is issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and is used to establish your national identity. Your Bank Verification Number (BVN) links your identity to your banking records.

You may need both for different banking services. If you’ve forgotten your BVN, here’s how to check your Bank Verification Number.

How many digits does a NIN have?

Your NIN has 11 digits.

Can I check someone else’s NIN?

Your NIN is personal information, so you shouldn’t try to access someone else’s details without their authorisation. Keep your NIN private and be careful about anyone offering to retrieve it for you.

What should I do if the code says my number isn’t registered?

First, try dialling *346# from the phone number you used when you enrolled for your NIN. If you no longer have access to that number, contact NIMC or visit an enrollment centre to find out how to update your details or retrieve your NIN.

Is checking my NIN free?

Retrieving your NIN using *346# attracts a service fee. The NINAuth app is free to download, and downloading your NIN slip through the app is free. Confirm the current USSD fee before using the service.

Opening a bank account with your NIN

Your NIN and BVN are useful when opening a bank account. Kuda may ask you to provide identification details during signup to verify your identity.

Once you’ve retrieved your NIN, download the Kuda app on iOS or Android to open a free account and do more with your money.