The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a new directive, mandating all citizens to link their National Identification Number to their sim cards or lose access to their phone number.
The new directive which takes effect in two weeks has left Nigerians worried as two weeks is too short for over 140 million Nigerians to carry out the mandatory new law.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given telecommunications operators in the country two weeks to block all SIM cards that are not linked with the National Identity Number (NIN).
Most telecommunications providers have provided short-codes to make things easier for their customers.
Below are steps to link your NIN to Airtel, MTN, Glo and 9mobile.
How to link NIN to sim card MTN
For MTN users, simply dial *785# and get it done in few seconds or Visit https://mtnonline.com/nim/ using your phone or computer
Complete the NIN linking form by entering your name, phone number, NIN, and email address.
Submit the form as soon as you’re done.
Wait for feedback from the network.
How to Link Airtel sim with NIN
To link your NIN to your Airtel phone number, follow the steps below:
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 and send.
Wait for the message confirming your submission. If you get an error, just wait for some time and try again.
How to link Etisalat Sim with NIN
For 9Mobile
Below is how to check your NIN status on 9Mobile
9Mobile is yet to release an easy method to link your NIN.
For Glo and 9mobile, simply visit the nearest office of your service provider to register/link your NIN.
Just go along with NIN and your SIM pack. If you do not have your SIM pack, you probably should be prepared to swear an affidavit.
To be on the safer side, you can call your service provider’s customer care.
Failure to do so will lead to your line being blocked or disconnected by the 31st of December 2020.
