Nigerians living abroad can register for NIN through NIMC's diaspora enrolment, without travelling to Nigeria. In the UK you prepare online, then attend an enrolment centre for biometric capture, for example our NIN registration centre in London. UK-born children and adults of Nigerian parents can register too, using an NPC foreign birth record.
Why the NIN matters when you live abroad
It is easy to think a NIN only matters inside Nigeria. In practice, Nigerians abroad usually need it for:
- Passports – the passport application asks for your NIN.
- Banking – Nigerian banks check NIN alongside BVN. If you need a BVN too, see getting a BVN from the UK.
- Property and inheritance – identity checks for land, property and family matters back home.
- Phone numbers – Nigerian SIM cards must be linked to a NIN.
Who should register?
Adults who left Nigeria years ago
If you left before NIN enrolment was widespread, you may never have enrolled. Check first that you do not already have one (see retrieve your NIN), then register.
UK-born adults with Nigerian parents
You can register using an NPC foreign birth record. This is often the first step towards a Nigerian passport.
Children
Children can be enrolled with a parent who has a NIN. See child NIN registration.
Avoid duplicate registrations
If you started enrolment in Nigeria years ago, or think you may have registered for a SIM card with a NIN, check before enrolling again. A second enrolment can create a duplicate record that blocks your NIN until NIMC resolves it.
How diaspora registration works
The steps are the same as for any UK applicant: NPC birth record, NIMC pre-enrolment, appointment, biometric enrolment and enrolment slip. Read our UK diaspora guide to getting NIN outside Nigeria for how the programme works, or go straight to NIN registration in the UK.
Before you register: check you don't already have a NIN
Some Nigerians abroad enrolled years ago and have forgotten, for example during a trip home or when their Nigerian SIM card had to be linked to a NIN. Try the NINAuth app or *346# from your old Nigerian number first. If you find a NIN, you may only need to update it.
Situations we see often
- Left Nigeria as a child: often never enrolled. Register with your Nigerian passport and NPC birth attestation.
- Born in the UK, never had a Nigerian passport: start with the NPC foreign birth record, then message us about your documents.
- Married since leaving Nigeria: bring evidence of your name change.
- Family with UK-born children: enrol the parent first, then the children.
NIN for Nigerians abroad: FAQs
Can Nigerians abroad get a NIN?
Yes, through NIMC's diaspora enrolment at licensed centres abroad, including our centre in London.
Do UK-born children of Nigerian parents need a NIN?
They need one for a Nigerian passport and some Nigerian services. They can be enrolled with a parent who has a NIN.
Will my diaspora NIN work when I move back to Nigeria?
Yes. It is the same NIN and works the same way in Nigeria.
Register from the UK
Book NIN enrolment at our Dalston, London centre.