On 16 December, 2020, The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) ordered all telecommunications operators in the country to block all SIM cards that are not linked with the National Identity number (NIN).
According to NCC, all SIM Cards users have two-week starting from 17 December – 31 December to re-register their SIM cards with National ID Card or else their line will be blocked.
However the fear many Nigerians have is that will they go out to start queuing again knowing fully well that Christmas is around the corner and the current situation of the country is not favouring.
The good news is that you don’t have to leave your comfort zone before linking your national Identification number provided you already have it.
Below are few steps to link your phone number with your NIN;
Below are steps on how to link your any mobile network (MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9mobile) and with your NIN.
For MTN users, you have two options:
You can decide to dial *785# and get it done within few seconds or proceed to https://mtnonline.com/nim/ using your phone or computer
When the page loads, complete the NIN linking form by entering your name, email address, phone number, National Identity number (NIN).
Once you have filled the form, kindly submit it and you are done.
After that wait for response from the network.
For Airtel Users
Linking your Airtel phone number to your NIN is possible by following the below steps:
1. Dial *121# on the Airtel line you wish to link.
2. Type 1 for “NIN Capture” and send.
3. Enter your 11-digit NIN as it is written on the slip or card and send.
After that, confirmation message will be sent to you. If there is an error, give it some time and try again.
Other networks (Glo and 9mobile)
It is advisable you visit the nearest office of your network provider (Glo or 9mobile) to link your NIN.
Don’t forget to carry along your NIN and your sim pack.
Incase you don’t have sim pack, you should be ready to swear an affidavit but you can still call your network provider’s customer care for more enquires.