Two mobile operators, Airtel and MTN, have set up USSD codes to assist mobile subscribers to link their National Identification Number with their phone number.
This was done to help customers meet up with the 2-week deadline set by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC). The telecoms regulatory body instructed mobile operators in the country, MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9 Mobile, to block all SIMs without National Identification Number (NINs) from their networks as from 31 December 2020.
NCC directed subscribers to go to the operators to do the linking. However two operators, Airtel and MTN, have set up USSD codes to make this easier.
By the way, if you have already registered with the (NIMC), you can retrieve your NIN by dialing *346#
Ways to link your NIN to your mobile number
Airtel
Follow the steps below to link your NIN to your Airtel phone number:
- Dial *121# on the Airtel line you wish to link.
- Type 1 for “NIN Capture” and send.
- Enter your 11-digit NIN and send.
- You will get an SMS like this: “Thank you for providing your NIN details XXXXXXXXX. SMS confirmation will be sent to you once your NIN has been validated and updated.”
- If you get an error, just wait for some time and try again.
MTN
Follow the steps below to link your NIN to your MTN phone number:
- Dial *785# using the MTN number you wish to link, enter your NIN and submit or;
- Dial *785#Your NIN# from the phone number you wish to link. The number will be linked to your NIN automatically.
- Visit https://mtnonline.com/nim/ using your phone or computer.
- Complete the NIN linking form by entering your name, phone number, NIN, and email address.
- Submit the form.
- Wait for feedback from the network.
For the other operators, Glo and 9mobile, their subscribers still have to go to any of their offices to link their NIN to their phone numbers
