HOW-TO

How to Retrieve a Lost or Forgotten NIN

Every legitimate way to get your NIN back, whether or not you still have your registered SIM.

Step by step

1. Try *346# firstFrom the phone number you registered with NIMC, dial *346#, choose the retrieval option and approve the small fee (about N20 as of 2026). Your NIN shows on screen.
2. Or open the NIMC MobileID appIf you have set up the official app, your NIN and digital ID are shown there for free.
3. If you lost the registered SIM, visit a NIMC centreFind the nearest enrolment centre on the NIMC website and go in person, because USSD will not work from a new number.
4. Bring a valid IDTake a valid photo ID such as your voter's card, driver's licence or passport.
5. Complete verificationAsk for the NIN retrieval form and allow the biometric fingerprint check so NIMC can match you to your record and give you your NIN.

Two situations, two routes

Retrieving a forgotten NIN depends on one thing: whether you still have the SIM you registered with NIMC. If you do, the self-service USSD code and the app both work in minutes. If that line is lost or changed, you will need to go in person, because NIMC ties the quick methods to your registered number for security.

If you still have your registered SIM

Dialling *346# is the simplest path, and it is the same code used to check your NIN normally. The NIMC MobileID app is a good backup and, once set up, shows your number without a per-check fee. Either way, once you have the number again you can link it to your SIM or print a fresh NIN slip.

If you lost the registered number

Here USSD is a dead end, so plan a visit to a NIMC enrolment centre. Take a valid government photo ID and be ready for a short biometric check, as your fingerprints let NIMC match you to your existing record without needing your old SIM. Staff will help you recover the number and can advise on updating the phone number on your record.

Avoid recovery agents

Because losing a NIN is stressful, scammers advertise fast recovery for a fee and then ask for your BVN, an OTP or a card PIN. No genuine process needs those to return your own NIN. If you have already shared something, act quickly using this guide on a compromised NIN or BVN.

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.