The deadline for linking NIN to SIM cards in Nigeria was on March 31, 2022, after multiple delays. The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria has pledged to comply with the Federal Government’s directive to restrict outgoing calls from subscribers who have not linked their National Identification Numbers to their SIM cards, as of April 5, 2022.
To avoid your SIM card from being barred, it is essential to link your NIN to your MTN line. This is particularly crucial due to the Nigerian Communications Commission’s mandate to telecommunication operators to block SIM cards not linked to NIN. Here is a guide on how to link your NIN to your MTN line.
MTN has provided a solution to prevent the blockage of its customers’ SIM cards. The company shared a USSD code and URL on its official Twitter page for customers to easily link their NIN to their line as required by the NCC. Additionally, customers who have lost the printout of their NIN can retrieve their 11-digit number for free using an alternative method.
How to check your NIN using USSD code
To link your NIN to your MTN line, simply dial *346# using the phone number connected to your voter’s card, driver’s license, or BVN registration.
To get your NIN, press 1 after dialing *346# using the phone number linked to your voter’s card, driver’s licence, or BVN registration. It’s recommended to take a screenshot of the NIN to avoid dialing the code again. Note that your telecom provider will charge you N20 for every *346# dial.
Isa Ibrahim Pantami, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Identity Management Commission to remove the N20 USSD fee that was charged to subscribers for National Identification Number retrieval requests.
How To Link NIN To Your MTN Line
In a tweet, MTN initiated the process by stating that the task could be accomplished on a mobile phone, laptop, or other data-enabled devices.
There are two ways to link your NIN to your MTN line:
- Through the MTN-NIM portal
- Using a USSD code
To link your phone number to your NIN through the MTN online portal, you will need to provide your First Name, Last Name, Middle Name, Phone Number, National Identity Number, and Email address.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Copy and paste the official registration link https://mtnonline.com/nim/
- Fill in the requirements listed above.
Step 3: Click on the submit button.
Step 4: An OTP will be sent to your MTN line.
Step 5: Enter the OTP and click on the confirm button.
Congratulations! You have successfully linked your MTN line to your NIN.
