NIN
National Identification Number
The NIN is Nigeria's foundational unique identifier, an 11-digit lifelong number issued free by NIMC to all citizens and legal residents and tied to fingerprint and facial biometrics in a central National Identity Database. It is mandatory for SIM registration, banking, passports and a growing list of government services.
More than 115 million people enrolled biometrically as of January 2025
Central National Identity Database intended for harmonization across government agencies; NINAuth provides interoperable API integration
Privacy and trust
NIN data is held in a central government database, with the newer NINAuth layer adding explicit user consent requirements before data is shared.
Identity verification providers
Independent identity verification vendors that support documents like this for KYC and onboarding. Exact document coverage varies by provider and region, so confirm support before relying on it.
NIN: frequently asked questions
- Who can get a NIN and how much does it cost?
- All Nigerian citizens from birth and legal residents are eligible, and enrollment and NIN issuance are free of charge.
- Can a NIN be reused or reassigned?
- No, once assigned a NIN is permanent for life and is never reassigned to another person.