In a bid to access vital services and verify every Nigerian’s identity when engaging in transactions such as passport issuance, banking services, land transactions, insurance services, pension, health insurance, payment of taxes,
voter’s registration, consumer credits, and all Government services, it is mandatory for every citizen from age 0 and legal resident to enrol for the National Identification Number (NIN).
The National Identification Number (NIN) is a unique set of numbers which identifies you for life. It is issued by the National Identity Management Commission after your enrolment. It is used to match you with your biometric
data and other details in the National Identity Database during verification and authentication.
The National Identification Number (NIN) is assigned to an individual upon successful enrolment consisting of the records of an individual’s demographic data and capture of the ten (10) fingerprints, head-to-shoulder facial picture
and digital signature, which are all used to cross-check existing data in the National Identity Database to confirm that there is no previous entry of the same data. Once this (de-duplication) process is completed the data is then stored with a unique NIN that was assigned to it. The NIN once issued to a person cannot be used again, (that is, it cannot be issued to another person even if the previous person is dead).
This vital feature of the NIN makes it pivotal for all citizens (home and abroad) as well as legal residents of Nigeria to obtain their unique National Identification Numbers. The importance of having these numbers cannot be overemphasized as there are dire consequences and penalties for non- compliance Nigerians and residents are advised to present themselves to be enrolled for the National Identification Number to avoid the usual rush that may arise with enforcement of the mandatory use of NIN for transactions and access to services as stipulated in NIMC Act of 2007, Section 27.