Welcome to BLS International  

Q 1. What is a NIN?

Ans 1. The National Identification Number (NIN) consists of 11 non- intelligible numbers randomly chosen and assigned to an individual after the completion of enrolment into the National Identity Database (NIDB).

Once a NIN is assigned to an individual, it can never be reassigned, given or used by another person - that makes it unique in nature.

In the case of the demise of an individual, his/her NIN is retired once a death certificate is presented to the Commission and the individual's death is established.

The NIN is used to tie all records about an individual in the database and is also used to establish or verify his/her identity.

All citizens and legal residents in Nigeria, from age zero (birth) and above are eligible to enrol for their NINs.

Q 2. How do I enrol for NIN?

Ans 2. NIN Enrolment consists of the recording 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.

It is very important that you apply on the NIMC Pre Enrolment Portal and follow the process as defined for applying for National Identification Number.

Please note that applicants in requirement of assistance with Enrolment Form have an option to take appointment and visit the Enrolment Centre where they will be assisted by a Support Officer in correctly filling the Enrolment Form with the required information.

Q 3. Where should I apply and submit my biometric details?

Ans 3. All applicants residing outside Nigeria (citizens and legal residents of Nigeria) have the facility to submit their application at nearest National Identification Number Enrolment Centre (NINEC) by taking appointment as per their convenience for submitting their enrolment application along with requisite Original and Valid supporting document and relevant fees using secure online payment gateway portal.

Q 4. Are minors issued NIN ?

Ans 4. Yes, all citizens and legal residents of Nigeria including children must enrol for the National Identification Number (NIN). The enrolment process is the same with some additional requirements as below:

1. Parent/Guardian's National Identification Number (NIN) Slip ( father, mother or guardian's NIN ) MUST be provided.
2. Supporting documents and evidence of proof as the Guardian to the minor (if Guardian's NIN is used).
3. Registered Birth Certificate/ Statutory Age Declaration.
4. All minors MUST be accompanied by at least one of the parents or a Guardian.

Q 5. What is biometrics enrolment?

Ans 5. The term 'biometrics' commonly refers to measurable physical characteristics that are unique to an individual such as fingerprints, facial structure, the iris or a person's voice.

Biometrics will be collected using a quick, discreet and non-intrusive process that captures a facial image with a digital camera and a 10-digit fingerprint scan with a digital finger scanner.

Q 6. How long does it take to complete enrolment?

Ans 6. The biometric enrolment is processed during enrolment of NIN application and takes up to 10 to 15 minutes.

Q 7. I currently reside in the place where the Enrolment center is not located. Can I still apply for the NIN from Enrolment center?

Ans 7. All applicants residing outside Nigeria (citizens and legal residents of Nigeria) have the facility to submit their applications at nearest National Identification Number Enrolment Centre (NINEC) by taking appointment as per their convenience and submitting their enrolment application along with requisite Original and Valid supporting document and relevant fees using secure online payment gateway portal.

Q 8. I am just not comfortable with the online application. Can you help me with the enrolment application?

Ans 8. Yes, there is "walk in and get assistance from a Support Officer" method of enrolment available at nominal cost.

Since you are not comfortable with filling the online pre enrolment form on your own, walk in to the nearest Enrolment Centre where you will be assisted by a Support Officer whose responsibility is to guide you with correctly filling the Enrolment Form with the required information and book your appointment.

Q 9. Do I need to submit my supporting documents along with enrolment application?

Ans 9. As a part of enrolment process, your supporting documents will be scanned and immediately returned to you.

Q 10. I submitted the wrong information on the pre enrolment form.

Ans 10. Your details will be vetted by Enrolment Officer to crosscheck the information filled on the pre enrolment form against the supporting document provided by you.

In case of mismatch you will have to re-apply for a new application with the correct information.

Q 11. What is a Transaction Slip and when it is given to the applicant?

Ans 11. If your application is in order, Enrolment officer will guide you to proceed with the capture of biometrics (ten finger prints and facial image) and collect the Transaction ID Slip as an evidence of the transaction.

The Transaction ID Slip is required to be stored carefully by applicant as it is required to be presented at the time of collection of NIN Slip indicating completion of enrolment.

Q 12. When should I come and collect my NIN Slip once it is generated?

Ans 12. You can ideally collect your NIN slips at the same enrolment centres where you enrolled on the same day of your enrolment, but in certain circumstances applicants are expected to collect their NIN Slip within 3- 5 days of enrolment.

You will receive an Email notification that your NIN Slip has been generated.

Q 13. Why is NIMC not the one carrying out the enrolment in Diaspora but other private companies?

Ans 13. NIMC has the powers to partner with the private sector to provide services under its mandate. The NIMC is an agency of the Federal Government and has decided to concentrate on its regulatory functions by allowing qualified Companies to carry out the Front End Services (FES). The Companies carrying out the FES are only allowed to carry out the NIMC FES in countries they are qualified to operate and are guided by the laid down rules & regulations set out in their respective licenses and also data protection & privacy rules and regulations of those countries.

Q 14. With the Bank Verification Number (BVN) why do I need to enroll for the NIN?

Ans 14. Bank Verification Number is what we call functional number given to an eligible person. Therefore, only persons with bank accounts are eligible for it. It is not mandatory for everyone to obtain the BVN. The NIN on the other hand, is an identity token that identifies every individual irrespective of age, gender, financial or other status. It is called the Foundation Number/ Foundation Identity that enables the owner to be able to identify him/herself before the bank, hospital, immigration, voter's register and every other transaction. So therefore, it is the foundation upon which the functional numbers/IDs such as the BVN and all the others rest/rely upon.

Q 15. What are the roles of the Diaspora Licensed Partners and how will my data be protected against unauthorized access and use?

Ans 15. The Licensed Partners are representatives of NIMC in diaspora. Their license allows them to provide Front End Services (enrolment & issuance of the NIN; Card activation & issuance; NIN verification & authentication services and Modification/Updates of data) in the diaspora for the Nigerian citizens and other diaspora agencies that require the verification and authentication of the NIN presented as identification by Nigerians for the services offered by these diaspora agencies.

The Licensed Partners have restricted access to the information given by the Nigerian Citizens. All information captured on the pre-enrolment portal to the biometric data are captured on NIMC's enrolment software and are sent in an encrypted form to the National Identity Database. The software automatically self-destruct the data once the send key is pressed and successful reception response is received.

A critical condition of the License issued to the Licensed Partners, is the condition for "non-copying in any form or use of data other than as provided by their license.

Also access to information in the database is granted only on 'limited information' required for the specific transaction and with the explicit or implicit consent of the Person whose data is to be accessed.

Access is only granted to Licensed Partners. The NIMC system records and audits every transaction request/access coming from each of the Licensees approved systems and communication channels. NIMC has put in place data protection rules and regulations. All Licensed Partners must comply with those rules. NIMC also is championing the enactment of the National Data Protection & Privacy Bill before the National Assembly.