(NIN) How to get your details on your phone (Fix Invalid error)

Having a National Identification Number (NIN) is no longer optional — it is mandatory for every Nigerian citizen and foreigner legally residing in the country. The Federal Government, through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has made NIN registration a legal requirement for identification and access to various services.

The NIN is one of the most important personal documents you can own. You will need it to open or operate a bank account, link your SIM card, or register for exams such as WAEC and JAMB. Without it, you may be denied access to essential services.

When you register for your NIN at any authorised NIMC enrolment centre, it generally takes 1 to 5 working days for your NIN to be generated and for you to receive a temporary slip that contains your details.

NIN Code in Nigeria

The official NIN USSD code is *346#. This code allows you to easily retrieve your NIN on your mobile phone — provided you are using the same phone number you used during registration. With this, you will never be stranded when asked for your NIN number.

How to Use the NIN Code (*346#):

1. Dial *346# on your mobile phone.

2. Choose the “NIN Retrieval” option by typing 1 on the screen prompt.

3. A service fee of ₦20 will be deducted from your airtime.

4. Your NIN will be displayed on your screen — save it somewhere safe or take a screenshot for future reference.

The good news is that this NIN code works on all major mobile networks in Nigeria: MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile.

Why Is My NIN Invalid? What You Should Do

It can be frustrating to register for your NIN, only to get an “Invalid NIN” error when you try to link it to your phone number or use it for other services. This issue is more common than you might think, and it can happen for several reasons. Let’s look at the main causes and how to fix them.

1. BVN-Generated NIN

If you opened your first bank account without a NIN, your bank might have generated one for you automatically using your Bank Verification Number (BVN).

While this sounds convenient, the NIMC has warned that BVN-generated NINs are not valid unless they have been updated and validated at an official NIMC enrolment centre.

Solution: Visit the nearest NIMC office with your BVN-generated NIN and tell the officer you want to validate it. Once validated, the error will be removed.

2. NIN Registered a Long Time Ago

If your NIN was registered years ago, it might not be properly updated in the NIMC database. This is not because the registration is old, but because the records may not have been fully verified.

Solution: Visit any NIMC enrolment centre and request verification of your NIN.

3. Newly Registered NIN

When you register for your NIN, you are given a tracking ID slip and told to return in a few days to collect your NIN slip. However, even after receiving your slip, your NIN may not be active immediately.

This is because the NIMC needs time to fully process and verify your details.

Solution: Ask the NIMC officer when your NIN will be fully active. Typically, this takes about two weeks from the day of registration.

4. Problem from NIMC (Incorrect Data)

During registration, if there is an error in your name, date of birth, or other details, your NIN might be flagged and remain inactive until corrected.

Solution: Take your NIN slip to the nearest NIMC office and request a correction of your details. Once the data is fixed, your NIN will be validated.

How to Retrieve Your NIN Number and Other Details via USSD

Retrieving your NIN through USSD is simple and works the same way regardless of your mobile network. Here’s how to do it:

1. Dial *346# from your registered phone number.

2. Select the NIN Retrieval option by typing 1.

3. Confirm that a ₦20 service fee will be deducted.

4. Your NIN will appear on the screen or be sent via SMS.

How to Retrieve Your NIN Details Online

Sometimes you may need your NIN slip, but don’t have the physical copy with you. Instead of carrying your slip everywhere, you can check your NIN details online using the NIMC MobileID App.

Steps to Use the NIMC MobileID App:

1. Download the App

   • Go to Google Play Store or Apple App Store and search for “NIMC MWS Mobile ID”.

   • Install the app on your smartphone.

2. Log In

   • Open the app and enter your 11-digit NIN and the phone number linked to your NIN.

   • You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) via SMS. Enter it to proceed.

3. Access Your Details

   • Once logged in, tap the menu (☰) icon at the top right.

   • Select Get Security PIN and copy it.

4. Print Your NIN Slip

   • Choose Print NIN Slip.

   • Enter your User ID and the OTP.

   • Select either:

     • Premium Slip (₦1,000 – contains more details)

     • Standard Slip (₦400 – contains basic details)

5. Make Payment

   • Payments are made via Remita.

   • Once payment is complete, you can download or print your slip immediately.

Tip: The Premium Slip is recommended because it contains complete information that is often required for official purposes.

Final Notes

• NIN USSD Code: *346# — works on all networks, ₦20 charge applies.

• Invalid NIN: Could be due to BVN-generated NIN, old registration, newly registered NIN, or incorrect details — all can be fixed at an NIMC office.

• Online Access: The NIMC MobileID App lets you view and print your NIN slip anytime.

With these methods, you can retrieve, check, and validate your NIN details anywhere in Nigeria without stress.