NIN registration opens for Nigerians overseas

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that Nigerians living abroad can now get their National Identification Number (NIN) without traveling back to Nigeria.

In a statement released on Tuesday, NIMC said Nigerians overseas can register for their NIN through approved enrollment centers in other countries.

These centers are run by licensed Nigerian companies working with partner organizations in places across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.

At these centers, applicants will provide their fingerprints, facial photographs, and supporting documents.

The information is then sent to NIMC to complete the registration.

According to Ayodele Babalola, Technical Adviser on Media and Communications to the NIMC Director-General, this system is important because the NIN is now required for many official services.

For example:
Since March 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) requires NIN for bank account operations.
It is also required for passport applications and renewals.

It is needed for SIM card registration under rules enforced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Nigeria has a very large diaspora community.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that more than 17 million Nigerians live abroad. According to the World Bank, Nigeria also receives over $20 billion every year in money sent home by Nigerians living overseas.

However, many Nigerians abroad do not yet have a NIN. This has sometimes caused delays when they try to access government services or renew travel documents.

NIMC said that once registered, Nigerians abroad can access their NIN through the NIMC Mobile Digital ID App, available on Android and iOS. The app provides a digital ID card with a QR code and allows users to hide or secure their NIN when sharing it.

The commission also provides an online self-service portal where people who already have a NIN can update details such as:
Name
Date of birth
Phone number
NIMC advised Nigerians abroad to visit its official website to find authorized enrollment centers in their countries.