NIN, BVN, NIMC MobileID App, NIN Linker app, Linking/Registration Deadline

Following the directives by the Federal Government that every Nigerian must link his/her SIM Cards with the National Identification Number, some Nigerians have developed a misconception about the National Identity Number and the Bank Verification Number.

One of such misconceptions is a widely circulated claim that anyone who has BVN automatically has the National Identity Number.

Reacting to the claim, the spokesperson for NIMC, Kayode Adegoke noted that such claim is incorrect.

He explained that NIMC must capture people’s data first before NIN could be allocated to them.

“The information is incorrect. People need to come to our office to register. If you have not registered with NIMC, go to our centres and register.

“Truly, we have harmonised our data with some BVN data. But it is an incomplete process until you register with NIMC. if you don’t register with NIMC, efforts to generate your NIN will show record not found.

“For people not to have their lines cut off, they should disregard the message and register appropriately.” Adegoke stated.

The National Identification Management Commission, Monday, in a tweet re-emphased that " NIN generated by the BVN can only be used after it has been updated at the NIMC enrollment Center."

Deadline for Linking NIN with SIM Cards:

The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy in a statement titled, ‘Extension of Registration Period and Cancellation of USSD and Verification Fees’, has stated that there would be three (3) weeks extension for subscribers with NIN from 30th December, 2020 to 19th January, 2021; and Six (6) weeks extension for subscribers without NIN from 30th December, 2020 to 9th February, 2021.”

How to link your NIN to your Airtel lines

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How to link your Etisalat (9mobile) SIM with NIN

That is, Nigerians who already have NIN are given till 19th January, 2021 to Link their SIM Cards with NIN while Nigerians without NIN are given till 9th February, 2021 to Register for NIN and Link with their SIM Cards, after which enforcement of the penalties would be meted on defaulters.

NIN MobileID App

The Minister for Communication and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami recently announced that the Federal Government has developed a mobile that can enable Nigerians display their National Identity without moving around with a hardcopy.

According to the Federal Government, the app can perform the following functions:

1. Allows you to prove your Identity with your Smart Phone on-the-go

2. Used to verify and Aunthenticate citizens and legal residents who already have NIN.

3. Allows for its use across various other Government Services including FIRS, FRSC, HHIS, NPF, NYSC etc.

The App can be downloaded here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nimcmobile

How to use the App:

1. Download the App

2. Log in using your NIN

3. Dial * 346 * 3# with the Mobile Number you enrolled with, your User ID and OTP would be sent to you.

4. Input your User ID and OTP in the Spaces provided.

5. You would be granted access to your Dashboard

FAKE NIN Linking app:

The Federal Government has issued an alert on an App on Playstore named "NIN Linker" which claims to link NIN with mobile Networks.

"It is a fraudulent means of stealing people's NIN and any offence commited with a SIM card linked with an NIN, is traceable to the owner of the NIN," the Federal Government stated while also warning those who are being lured into selling their NIN for money.