Lost Your NIN? What to Do in Every Situation

To retrieve your NIN from the UK, use NIMC's official NINAuth app, dial *346# from the Nigerian phone number linked to your NIN (if roaming works), look for your enrolment slip, or contact the centre where you enrolled. Do not register again: a second enrolment can create a duplicate record.

The right method depends on your situation. Find yours below. For a summary of all the options, see retrieve your NIN in the UK.

Situation 1: "I had a NIN but I've forgotten the number"

Your NIN does not change, so you only need to see it again.

• NINAuth app: download NIMC's official app from the App Store or Google Play. You may need the phone number or email you used when you enrolled.
• *346#: dial from the Nigerian SIM linked to your NIN. It does not work from a UK number.
• Old documents: your NIN may appear on old bank or SIM registration paperwork, or in emails from when you enrolled.

Situation 2: "I enrolled but never received my NIN"

Find your enrolment slip and its transaction ID. If you enrolled at our Dalston centre, send us the transaction ID (or your full name and roughly when you enrolled) and we will help you follow it up. Read how long NIN takes to see whether it may still be processing.

Situation 3: "I no longer have the phone number on my NIN"

Methods that send codes to your old Nigerian number will not work. You may need to update the phone number on your record first. See NIN updates in the UK, or contact us for help working out the best route.

Situation 4: "I'm not sure I ever registered"

If you never completed biometric enrolment (in Nigeria or abroad), there is no NIN to retrieve, and you need to register. Start with NIN registration in the UK. If you are unsure, tell us roughly when and where you think you enrolled before booking a new registration.

Keep your NIN safe

• Save your NIN in a secure notes app or password manager.
• Keep a photo of your enrolment slip.
• Never share one-time codes sent to your phone.
• Ignore social media accounts offering to "find" your NIN for a fee.

Signs a "NIN retrieval" service is not genuine

• It contacts you first, by text, WhatsApp or social media.
• It asks for your bank details, BVN or a one-time code.
• It charges a fee before telling you who it is or where it is based.
• It threatens that your NIN will be blocked if you do not pay.

Genuine retrieval goes through NIMC's own channels or the centre where you enrolled.

After you find your NIN

1. Save it somewhere secure.
2. Check the details on it are correct. If not, see NIN updates.
3. If your Nigerian phone number has changed, update it so future retrieval is easier.

NIN retrieval FAQs