Please note & stay safe
Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with NIMC. This is an informational guide — enrol, check, retrieve or modify your NIN only through official NIMC channels (nimc.gov.ng, the NIMC self-service portal, the official NIMC MobileID app, or an accredited enrolment centre). Never share your NIN, OTP or personal details with unofficial websites, apps or people, and never pay “agents” promising shortcuts.
Why children need a NIN
Since 2022, NIN enrolment has been extended to all children, including newborns. Registering early avoids last-minute rushes before milestones like passports and school.
Who can register a child
A parent or legal guardian takes the child to a NIMC enrolment centre and registers on the child’s behalf.
What to bring
- The child’s NPC birth certificate (original).
- The parent/guardian’s own valid NIN and ID.
- The child’s passport photograph(s).
The process
- Visit an accredited enrolment centre with the child and documents.
- The child’s details are captured (younger children have limited/that-age-appropriate biometrics).
- Collect the transaction slip; the child’s NIN follows.
Enrolment is free.
Where it’s needed
A child’s NIN is increasingly required for passport applications, school enrolment (in some states), NHIS/health registration and certain government services.
Tips
- Enrol children early — don’t wait for a deadline.
- Make sure the child’s name and DOB match the birth certificate to avoid paid corrections.
- Keep the child’s NIN private and safe.
NIN for under-16s
Children can and should be enrolled for a NIN — the number can be obtained from birth. The main difference from adults is the credential issued: minors (broadly the 0–15 age range) are typically issued a NIN slip, with the physical National ID card coming when they're older (around 16). Enrolling a child early means their identity is in the system before it's needed for school, exams and other services, and it gives them the same lifelong, unchanging NIN that adults have.
Guardian's NIN and documents
Because a child can't enrol independently, a parent or guardian handles it, and the guardian's own identity is part of the process. Typically you'll need the guardian's NIN and the child's birth certificate (as proof of identity/age), plus the child for biometric capture where required for their age. Bring genuine documents and make sure the child's details are entered correctly — especially the exact name and date of birth, since these will need to match school and exam records later.
Where and how to enrol a child
Enrol a child at an official Enrolment Centre (ERC), the same as for adults — use NIMC's published list of centres to find a genuine one. The process mirrors adult enrolment: form, supporting documents, and biometrics as applicable, after which you receive confirmation and the child's NIN/slip. As with all enrolment, the process should be free — be wary of anyone charging to “register” a child — and keep the child's NIN details recorded safely for when school and exams require them.
Frequently asked questions
Can children get a NIN?
Yes — since 2022 NIN enrolment covers all children, including newborns.
Is it required for a child to have a NIN?
Increasingly yes — a child’s NIN is needed for passports, school enrolment in some states, NHIS registration and some government services.
What do I bring to register my child for a NIN?
The child’s NPC birth certificate (original), the parent/guardian’s own valid NIN and ID, and the child’s passport photograph(s).
Is children’s NIN enrolment free?
Yes — first-time enrolment is free at NIMC and accredited centres.
Can I register a newborn for a NIN?
Yes — a parent or guardian can enrol a newborn with the child’s birth certificate and the parent’s NIN and ID.
Can a child get a NIN?
Yes — children can and should be enrolled for a NIN, which can be obtained from birth. Minors (broadly 0–15) are typically issued a NIN slip, with the physical National ID card coming when they're older (around 16). It's the same lifelong, unchanging NIN adults have.
What do I need to enrol my child for a NIN?
A parent or guardian handles it, so typically the guardian's NIN and the child's birth certificate (as proof of identity/age), plus the child for biometric capture where required for their age. Bring genuine documents and ensure the child's name and date of birth are entered exactly right.
Does a child get a NIN slip or card?
Minors (broadly 0–15) are typically issued a NIN slip, with the physical National ID card coming when they're older (around 16). The NIN itself is the same lifelong number regardless of which credential is issued.
Where do I enrol my child for a NIN?
At an official Enrolment Centre (ERC), the same as for adults — use NIMC's published list of centres to find a genuine one. The process mirrors adult enrolment (form, documents, biometrics as applicable), after which you receive the child's NIN/slip.
Is it free to enrol a child for a NIN?
Yes — like all NIN enrolment, the process should be free. Be wary of anyone charging to 'register' a child, use official ERCs, and keep the child's NIN details recorded safely for when school and exams require them.