Last updated: 14 October 2026. Procedures, fees and deadlines change, so confirm with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), your bank and your network. We replaced an earlier version that referred to old deadlines.
In Nigeria, a few numbers make up your digital identity: the National Identification Number (NIN), your Bank Verification Number (BVN) and the SIM registration linked to your NIN. They open doors to banking, telecoms and government services, and they are also what fraudsters want.
The National Identification Number (NIN)
The NIN is a unique number issued by NIMC after you provide your demographic and biometric data. Under the NIN-SIM linkage policy, which began in 2020 and had its deadline extended many times, mobile subscribers were required to link their SIM cards to a NIN. NIMC and the NCC said in 2021 that the average NIN was linked to three or four SIMs. A figure of more than 109 million NIN registrations has appeared in NIMC-related news, though the number moves, so check the commission’s latest statement. NIMC has opened thousands of enrolment centres at home and abroad, and offers tools such as NINAuth to secure digital identity checks.
The Bank Verification Number (BVN)
The BVN is a biometric identifier issued through banks that links your bank accounts. Banks and fintechs use it to verify who you are and to limit fraud. See our guide on fintech apps for how onboarding works.
Why identity theft matters
With your NIN, BVN, phone number and a few details, fraudsters can try to open accounts, take loans, swap your SIM or pass verification as you. NIMC has warned that selling a NIN is dangerous and has cautioned people about illegal NIN harvesting. The EFCC has also reported a fintech identity fraud ring that exploited young Nigerians.
How to keep your identity safe
- Share your NIN and BVN only with official, verified bodies. If a website, caller or agent asks for them, check their identity independently first.
- Never share OTPs, PINs or passwords, even with someone who claims to be from NIMC, your bank or your network.
- Beware of unofficial NIN centres and middlemen who charge heavy fees. Use NIMC offices or authorised partners and keep receipts. Quoted fees, for example for NIN retrieval by USSD, differ between reports, so confirm with NIMC.
- Check what SIMs are registered in your name. Ask your network to confirm the lines linked to your NIN and report any you do not recognise. See our guide on SIM registration and replacement.
- Monitor your bank accounts and loan apps for activity you did not start.
- Do not post photos of ID cards or slips online.
- Be careful with loan apps that ask for your NIN and contacts, and use only approved lenders. See data privacy.
If you suspect identity theft
- Contact your bank immediately and ask to block cards, wallets and suspicious loans.
- Inform your mobile network and request a SIM check.
- Report to NIMC through its official channels.
- Report to the police or the EFCC and keep reference numbers. See cybercrime laws.
- Change passwords and enable two-step login.
Online scams that target your ID
Common tricks include fake “NIN update” links, messages saying your account will be blocked unless you verify, “NIN selling” offers and calls from “officials” asking for details. See our guides on internet scams and WhatsApp scams.
Identity and voting
Your Permanent Voter’s Card is another ID. Collect it from INEC only, and ignore anyone asking you to pay. See our guide on voter registration.
NIN vs BVN: What Each Is For
- NIN: your national identity number, issued by the NIMC. It is required for SIM replacement and online registrations such as NYSC, and it serves as your tax ID if you are an individual.
- BVN: a bank verification number that links your accounts across banks to your biometrics, used to prevent fraud.
- Virtual NIN: a temporary code that you can share instead of your real NIN.
How to Protect Your Numbers
- Share your NIN and BVN only with institutions that need them, and never via social media or unverified links.
- Do not give them to street agents, and never share OTPs.
- Check your SIMs and accounts regularly for activity you do not recognise. See SIM registration and swap fraud.
- Report loss or misuse to the NIMC, your bank and the police.
Your Rights
The Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 gives you rights over your personal data, and organisations that mishandle it can face fines. See data privacy and internet scams.
Nigerians abroad: getting a BVN (updated 31 October 2026)
If you live outside Nigeria you can still obtain a BVN, either through the Non-Resident BVN platform or an enrolment centre listed by NIBSS. Read how to open a Nigerian bank account from abroad for the steps and documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between NIN and BVN?
The NIN is your national identity number from NIMC. The BVN is a banking identifier that links your bank accounts.
Can I sell or lend my NIN?
No. Doing so exposes you to fraud and possible legal trouble.
Is my NIN safe in the system?
The data is held by NIMC under the data protection law, but leaks and scams occur, so protect your own details carefully.
