How to retrieve your NIN with *346#
Forgot your National Identification Number? Dial *346# from the phone number you used for NIN enrolment to get it by SMS. Here is how it works, what it costs and what to do if it fails.
Your National Identification Number (NIN) is the 11-digit number the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) gave you when you enrolled. You need it to open a bank account, link your SIM, register for JAMB, apply for a passport and much more. If you've lost your slip and can't remember it, you can get it back in under a minute with a USSD code.
Retrieve your NIN with *346#
- Use the phone and SIM with the number you gave NIMC when you enrolled. This is important: the code looks up your NIN using that number.
- Dial *346#.
- Choose 1 for NIN Retrieval.
- Your NIN is shown on screen or sent to you by SMS.
Write it down somewhere safe, or save the SMS.
How much does it cost?
Your network charges a small fee for the request, deducted from your airtime. It's usually about ₦20. Make sure you have some airtime before you dial, or the request will fail.
If it says no record was found
The most common reason is that you're dialling from a different number than the one you used at enrolment. Try:
- Your other SIMs. If you had another line when you enrolled, try that one.
- An old line. If you no longer use that number, you can't retrieve the NIN by USSD. Use one of the other options below.
- Waiting a few days if you enrolled recently. New enrolments can take time to be processed.
Other ways to get your NIN
- Your NIN slip or card, if you still have it.
- The NIMC mobile app, after you verify yourself.
- Your bank, if your NIN is already linked to your bank account. Some banks show it in their app.
- An NIMC enrolment centre. Take a valid ID and ask for your NIN to be retrieved. You may be asked for your fingerprints.
Link your NIN to your SIM
Once you have your NIN, make sure it's linked to every SIM you use. Lines without a NIN can be barred from making calls.
Dial *996# and follow the steps, or read our guide on linking your NIN to your SIM.
Keep your NIN private
Your NIN gives access to a lot of personal information. Only share it with organisations that need it, such as your bank, network provider or a government agency. Never give it to someone who calls or messages you unexpectedly asking for it, even if they say they're from a bank or NIMC.