How to Get Nigerian NIN Outside Nigeria: UK Diaspora Guide

Nigerians outside Nigeria get a NIN through NIMC's diaspora enrolment programme. NIMC works with licensed partners that run enrolment centres abroad, including in the UK. You prepare online (NPC birth record and pre-enrolment), then attend a centre in person for biometric capture. In London, you can enrol at our NIN enrolment centre in Dalston.

What is NIMC diaspora enrolment?

The National Identity Management Commission is responsible for enrolling all Nigerians into the National Identity Database. To reach Nigerians abroad, NIMC licenses partners to run enrolment centres outside Nigeria. Enrolment abroad uses the same database and produces the same NIN as enrolment at home. The only differences are the process for fees and the documents used to prove your birth record from outside Nigeria.

How it works in the UK

1. NPC record: birth attestation (born in Nigeria) or foreign birth notification (born abroad), done online.
2. NIMC pre-enrolment: fill in your details online and keep the reference.
3. Appointment: book a slot at a UK diaspora enrolment centre.
4. Enrolment: documents checked, fees paid, biometrics captured.
5. NIN issued by NIMC after processing.

For the full UK process, read how to register for NIN in the UK.

Can I do it from anywhere in the UK?

You can complete the online steps from anywhere. For the biometric step you need to attend a centre. Our centre is in London. If you live elsewhere in the UK, booking a fixed time lets you plan the journey. If you are in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, check whether there is a closer licensed centre. Our article where to register for Nigerian NIN in the UK explains how to check.

Does a diaspora NIN work the same as one from Nigeria?

Yes. It is the same 11-digit National Identification Number, held in the same National Identity Database, and used for passports, banking and other services in the same way.

Tips from our London centre

• Start with the NPC record. It is the step most likely to need fixing.
• Use the names on your Nigerian passport everywhere.
• If you were born outside Nigeria, use the NPC foreign birth service.
• Bring your parent's NIN if you are enrolling a child.
• Keep your enrolment slip safe: it is your proof of enrolment until the NIN arrives.

Common misunderstandings about diaspora NIN

• "The diaspora NIN is temporary." It is not. It is the same permanent NIN.
• "I can do it all online." Preparation is online; biometrics are in person.
• "The High Commission does NIN enrolment." Enrolment is done at enrolment centres.
• "I need to be resident in the UK." What matters is having the right Nigerian documents and attending a centre in person. Message us about your circumstances.

What you need in summary

• NPC record (attestation or foreign birth)
• Nigerian passport (valid or expired), or a parent's passport and NIN for a child
• NIMC pre-enrolment reference
• A card for the fees (£95.00 adult / £80.00 child at our centre)

Diaspora NIN FAQs