Nigeria is a country that continues to grow in population and in turn, increases the number of active mobile subscribers in the country. But having an identification number that enables you to use mobile networks effectively is important. This is why Airtel subscribers need to know how to link NIN to an Airtel line to avoid disconnection from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
In the last decade, there has been a call for Nigerians to register and get captured in the country’s identification portal. This exercise entails the data capture of every mobile Nigerian. Therefore, it becomes necessary because your identity registration precedes getting an identification number – the NIN.
NIN (National Identification Number) is the unique 11-digit number that characterises the identity of a registered Nigerian. This means that NIN can be used to track the identity of a Nigerian. Therefore, this can be likened to the unique alphanumeric code on your international passport, which represents and can be traced to you.
How To Get An NIN Code
You must think of having a NIN code before you decide to link your NIN to your Airtel line. Therefore, the following are the steps to obtaining your NIN:
- Visit any NIMC registration centre closest to you
- Request for a pre-enrolment slip
- Enter your details. This includes your full name, date of birth, state of origin, mother’s maiden name, etc
- Submit your application
- Wait to get your tracking number
- Go back after a few weeks to collect the slip that has your NIN on it
Understanding The NIN Code For Airtel
In recent times, the mobile networks in Nigeria have been working in synergy with the NCC to ensure the compliance of active mobile subscribers to register to get a NIN code. This is evident in the phases of disconnection some unregistered Nigerians have gone through. It is owed to the fact that you are expected to register for the NIN code and link the NIN to your mobile number to enable you to activate the use of the phone number.
Airtel is one of the network giants in Nigeria, with tens of millions of mobile subscribers. Therefore, Airtel is working in sync with the directive of the NCC to ensure absolute compliance of its users to having a NIN code and linking their NIN to their respective Airtel line. As such, your Airtel phone number stands the risk of disconnection if you do not link your NIN to your Airtel line.
Your access to Airtel service becomes limited when your Airtel line is disconnected. This would prevent you from buying airtime to call or text. It can even disconnect you from using the line for internet access.
Broadly, the link of NIN to Airtel lines has been able to ascertain the number of active subscribers for the mobile network. At the same time, it has reduced the chances of unscrupulous individuals serving as a threat in identity theft. So once you link NIN to your Airtel line, your phone number indicates your personal information, especially your full name and address.
How To Link NIN To An Airtel Line
Let’s reiterate that you can only have your unique NIN code after you have completed your registration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). This is the government parastatal saddled with the responsibility of capturing the identities of Nigerians.
Therefore, after receiving the NIN code, you can link your NIN to the Airtel line you registered with during the exercise. You can choose three (3) methods to link NIN to the Airtel line.
How To Link NIN To Airtel Line With USSD
This is considered the fastest and easiest way to link your NIN to your Airtel line because users do not necessarily need to have a smartphone or connect to the internet to achieve the linkage.
- Dial *121*1# on your Airtel line
- You will be directed to enter your NIN code
- Enter your 11-digit NIN code
- You will receive a “Thank you for entering your NIN” message
- You will receive a prompt to either “Enter your other Airtel number” or “End.”
- You will receive a confirmation message: “Thank you for providing your NIN details (NIN). SMS confirmation will be sent to you once your NIN has been validated and updated.”
How To Link NIN To Airtel Online
You can link your NIN to your Airtel line anytime and anywhere. This is because you can do it via the Airtel portal without stress. But the drawback here is that you must be connected to the internet, unlike using the USSD code.
- Go to the official website of Airtel
- Click on “NIN”
- Enter your Airtel number from either”8″ or “9.”
- Click on “Send OTP”
- Enter your email address or an alternative phone number. Click on “Proceed”
- Enter the OTP and confirm
- Enter your NIN and confirm
How To Link NIN To Airtel Line With The NIMC Mobile ID App
You do your linkage via the mobile app, which allows you to navigate the steps easily. Although you must also have internet access to enable the use of the NIMC mobile app.
- Download the NIMC Mobile ID app on Google Play Store or Apple Store
- Enter your 11-digit NIN
- Enter the OTP for verification
- Click on “My Devices”
- Enter the mobile number and the OTP and confirm
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Linking NIN To My Airtel Line Free?
Yes. There is no fee attached to linking your NIN to your Airtel line. Irrespective of the method you use, it is free.
How Long Does The Linking Take?
Your NIN is linked to your Airtel line immediately – after the successful confirmation of your NIN. This means a matter of less than 5 minutes, depending on your preferred method.
Why Is My NIN Not Linking To My Airtel Line?
You may need to update your SIM registration to correct some errors before successfully linking your NIN. Alternatively, you can contact Airtel support to assist you in running a background check on the status of the Airtel line.
Conclusion
Airtel is a mobile network with a range of services you can enjoy. Therefore, you don’t want to get disconnected because of your NIN. When you link your NIN to your Airtel line, it is a validation that you are identified with the Nigerian communication landscape. Moreover, the process is free.
However, it is important to keep your NIN safe and avoid making it available to the public. You can contact Airtel support to be sure that the linkage of your NIN is still valid to avoid a sudden disconnection of your Airtel line.
