Short overview: You can start your National Identification Number (NIN) registration using your smartphone — from filling the pre-enrolment form to booking an appointment. Because biometric capture (photo & fingerprints) must be done in person, the phone makes the online steps faster and less stressful. This guide walks you through every step, lists documents you’ll need, shows how to link your SIM, and gives troubleshooting and security tips.
Official resources you’ll use
- NIMC Pre-Enrolment Portal (penrol.nimc.gov.ng) — start your application here.
- NIMC NIN hub — official NIN information and documents list.
- NIMC Mobile ID (Google Play) and NIMC Mobile ID (App Store).
- NCC guidance on linking NIN to SIMs (USSD details and regulations).
Before you start: what you need on your phone
Make sure your phone is ready — this saves time and prevents errors:
- Reliable internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
- A working, personal email address (you’ll receive confirmations).
- A Nigerian mobile number that you control (used for OTPs and later SIM linking).
- Digital copies (photos or scans) of supporting documents if required (birth certificate, passport, voter’s card, etc.).
- A way to save or print the pre-enrolment slip (save the PDF to your phone or cloud storage).
Step 1 — Open the NIMC pre-enrolment portal on your phone
From your phone’s browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox), go to https://penrol.nimc.gov.ng/.
Why use the portal? The pre-enrolment portal captures your demographic information before you visit an enrolment centre — it reduces queue time and ensures the data is correctly entered.
Step 2 — Start a new application and fill the form
- Tap Start New Application (or similar). You’ll be asked for a valid email address to create a session.
- Enter your personal information: full name (as in documents), date of birth, gender, state of origin, place of birth, residential address, and occupation.
- Double-check spellings and dates — mistakes made here are common sources of delay.
- Upload images of any required documents if the portal requests them (use clear, well-lit photos).
Step 3 — Save or print your Pre-Enrolment Slip
After submitting the form you will be given a Pre-Enrolment Slip (PDF). Save this to your phone or cloud (Google Drive, iCloud) and, if possible, print a copy to take to the enrolment centre.
If you cannot print, showing the PDF from your phone is normally accepted — but check the specific centre requirements when you book an appointment.
Step 4 — Book an appointment (where available)
Many centres allow you to book a slot after pre-enrolment. On the same portal choose a convenient NIMC enrolment centre and an appointment date/time. Booking reduces waiting time dramatically.
Step 5 — Visit the enrolment centre for biometrics
The crucial step — biometric capture — is done in person. Bring originals of required documents and your pre-enrolment slip. At the centre they will:
- Verify your documents
- Capture a facial photograph
- Capture fingerprints (age-dependent — infants may not have fingerprints taken)
- Confirm the details you entered online
What documents are typically accepted?
NIMC provides a comprehensive list, but common documents include:
- National passport
- Birth certificate
- Voter’s card (Permanent Voter’s Card — PVC)
- Driver’s licence
- State government ID or national identity document
See the official list on the NIMC site for full options: NIMC enrolment documents.
Step 6 — Receive your acknowledgement and NIN slip
After successful capture you will be issued an acknowledgement or temporary slip. The official 11-digit NIN is either provided immediately on the slip or communicated shortly after via SMS or email depending on the centre’s workflow. Keep the slip safe.
How to retrieve NIN or check status using your phone
- Dial the official NIMC USSD code:
*346#. This service allows for NIN retrieval and virtual NIN generation in many cases. (A small network fee may apply.) - Use the NIMC Mobile ID app to view your record and generate virtual IDs.
- Return to the pre-enrolment portal and use the resume feature if you saved the session ID.
Linking your SIM(s) to your NIN — why and how
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) requires SIMs to be linked to NINs. After you have your NIN, link your existing SIM(s) using the network USSD codes or through your operator’s app/portal. The NIMC USSD retrieval and NCC guidance are helpful references:
- USSD (general): Dial
*346#for NIMC services (retrieve NIN, tokenization options). - NCC advice: NCC: Linking your NIN to mobile number.
Using the NIMC Mobile ID app on your phone
The NIMC Mobile ID app (sometimes called MWS: NIMC MobileID or Mobile ID) gives you a secure digital token for verification and can speed up some processes. Download from the official stores:
The app also helps generate a vNIN (virtual NIN) for sharing with service providers without exposing your raw 11-digit NIN.
Common errors & troubleshooting on phone
If you run into issues while registering on your phone, try these fixes:
- Portal won’t load or shows JavaScript errors: enable JavaScript, clear your browser cache, or try a different browser (Chrome/Firefox/Safari). If the Pre-Enrolment portal needs JS, allow it.
- OTP not received: ensure your number is correct, has network signal, and is able to receive SMS. Try again after a few minutes or use another verified number if available.
- Cannot upload documents: reduce file size, use JPEG/PNG, and ensure file names have no special characters. If still failing, email the documents to the centre (if that option is provided) or visit in person.
- Booking unavailable: some centres have walk-in options; check other nearby centres and avoid peak times (early morning and lunch hours).
Security tips when registering via phone
- Always use the official NIMC pre-enrolment portal (penrol.nimc.gov.ng) — beware of lookalike domains and scams.
- Do not share your OTP, NIN, or Mobile ID UserID with strangers. NIMC will never ask for your password or OTP via email or social media.
- Use a private network (home/data) rather than public Wi-Fi when uploading sensitive documents.
- Save your pre-enrolment PDF in a secure folder or cloud vault and back it up.
How long does registration take when started on your phone?
The online pre-enrolment part takes 10–20 minutes depending on how quickly you enter accurate data and upload documents. The in-person biometric capture takes another 10–30 minutes at the centre (queue times vary). The timeline to receive your NIN slip can be immediate or may take a few days depending on the centre’s processing schedule.
Special cases: registering from abroad (Diaspora) using your phone
If you are outside Nigeria you can still begin the process on your phone via approved diaspora partners or the NIMC diaspora pages. Final biometric capture must be done at an approved diaspora centre or when you return to Nigeria. Check the NIMC diaspora information for accredited partners and procedures: NIMC Diaspora Services.
Aftercare — what to do once you have NIN
- Link your NIN to all active SIMs using your network’s prescribed method.
- Keep a digital and printed copy of your NIN slip in a safe place.
- Use the Mobile ID app to generate vNINs for third-party verification instead of sharing your raw NIN.
When to contact NIMC support
If you experience unexplained delays, suspect fraud, or need corrections (name, date of birth, gender), contact official NIMC support channels. Do not respond to unsolicited messages claiming to be NIMC if they come from non-official domains or social handles. Official updates and contact information are on the NIMC site: nimc.gov.ng.
Quick checklist — Register NIN with your phone
- Ensure phone has internet and a working camera.
- Open penrol.nimc.gov.ng and start a new application.
- Fill your details carefully and upload clear document photos.
- Save/print the Pre-Enrolment Slip (PDF).
- Book an appointment or walk into a centre with originals.
- Capture biometrics at the centre and keep your acknowledgement slip.
- Retrieve or confirm your NIN via
*346#or the Mobile ID app.
