HOW-TO
How to Check Your NIN (National Identification Number)
The official USSD code and app methods to find your 11-digit National Identification Number, plus what to do if your SIM has changed.
Quick answer
The fastest way to check your NIN is to dial *346# from the phone number you used during enrolment, follow the prompts, and your 11-digit NIN appears on screen for a small fee (about N20 as of 2026). You can also view it free in the NIMC MobileID app.
Key points
- Dial *346# from your NIMC-registered SIM to retrieve your 11-digit NIN.
- The USSD service costs about N20 as of 2026; confirm the current charge on screen before you approve.
- The official NIMC MobileID app shows your NIN and digital ID free once set up.
- Your NIN is 11 digits, never a name, email or password.
- Never send your NIN, an OTP or any bank detail to a helper or agent who offers to check it for you.
Step by step
- Dial *346#On the phone number you registered with NIMC, open the dialer, enter *346# and press call. It works on MTN, Glo, Airtel and 9mobile.
- Choose the NIN retrieval optionFollow the on-screen menu (usually press 1) and approve the service charge, which is about N20 as of 2026.
- Confirm your detailsEnter any detail the menu asks for, such as your date of birth, so the system can confirm it is really you.
- Read your NIN on screenYour 11-digit NIN is displayed. Write it down or take a screenshot and keep it private.
- Or use the NIMC MobileID appDownload MWS: NIMC MobileID from Google Play or the App Store, set it up with your NIN and phone number, and view your NIN and digital ID any time.
What your NIN is
Your National Identification Number (NIN) is an 11-digit number that NIMC assigns to you for life when you enrol. It never changes, and it links to your biometric and demographic records. Because so many services now ask for it, it helps to have a reliable way to look it up. If you are new to it, our explainer on what NIN is and why you need it covers the basics.
What you need before you check
To use the USSD method you need the exact SIM you registered with NIMC, because the code only returns the NIN tied to that number. Keep a little airtime on the line to cover the small service charge. If you plan to use the app instead, you need a smartphone and the phone number linked to your record.
USSD or the app?
The USSD code is quickest and works on any handset, even a basic phone with no internet, but it charges a small fee each time. The NIMC MobileID app is free to view your NIN after setup and also stores a digital version of your ID, so it is worth installing if you check often. Both are official, so pick whichever suits your phone.
If the code does not work
If *346# fails, confirm you are dialling from the registered SIM and that you have enough airtime. If you have changed or lost that number, the USSD route will not work and you will need to retrieve your NIN in person at a NIMC office with a valid photo ID. Once you have the number, you may also want your printed NIN slip.
Keep it private
Treat your NIN like any sensitive ID. Do not post it online, and be wary of anyone who offers to check it for you in exchange for a fee or an OTP, a common trick covered in common NIN and BVN scams.
⚠ Stay safe
NIMC never asks you to pay an agent or share an OTP to check your own NIN. Anyone demanding your NIN plus a code or bank detail is trying to defraud you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the code to check my NIN?
How much does *346# cost?
Can I check my NIN without my registered phone number?
Is there an app to see my NIN?
Someone offered to check my NIN for a fee. Is that safe?
Is my NIN the same as my BVN?
Official sources
SabiGuide is an independent guide and is not affiliated with any government agency. Fees, links and steps can change — always confirm on the official portal before you act. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.