In accordance with the directive from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), individuals must now actively create a Virtual National Identification Number (VNIN) to seamlessly link their NIN with their mobile numbers. If you, for instance, are an MTN subscriber attempting to link your NIN to your MTN number, the virtual NIN becomes a vital requirement.
Functioning as a digital counterpart of your NIN, the Virtual National Identification Number (VNIN) provides a secure means to present essential identification details. Its design prioritizes preventing unauthorized cloning or duplication, thereby safeguarding sensitive personal data.
How to Create a Virtual NIN
First and foremost, It’s important to note that Virtual NIN numbers are designed to automatically expire within 72 hours, regardless of usage. Hence, if you don’t use the number within this timeframe, you’ll have to generate a new one. The step is as follows:
- Dial *996*3#.
- Choose Option 3 for Virtual NIN.
- Enter your NIN to proceed.
- Authenticate by inputting ‘109071’ as your Enterprise ID, linking your NIN to the virtual number.
Getting your Virtual NIN through USSD
- • To generate a Virtual NIN via USSD, dial 346*3*Your NIN*AgentCode#
- • You will get a successful notification and an SMS message will be sent back to you containing the Virtual NIN generated for you.
- • These 16-digit alphanumeric characters can be shared with your vendor for verification.
Note that the service usually costs ₦20 per attempt.
Nigerians are advised to generate a Virtual National Identification Number to comply with NIMC guidelines and enhance the security of their identity information. The virtual NIN format reduces the risk of unauthorized access, instilling confidence in the protection of your private details.
Remember:
- Virtual NIN numbers automatically expire within 72 hours, even if you don’t use them.
- Generating a new one is necessary if you don’t use it within this time.
Why create a Virtual NIN?
- It’s required by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to link your NIN with your mobile number.
- The Virtual NIN enhances security by preventing unauthorized access to your personal data.
Conclusion
As the need for digital identity verification increases, the implementation of VNINs represents a crucial advancement in bolstering the security and effectiveness of identity management systems. This innovation enables the seamless integration of National Identification Numbers with mobile services, promoting a more connected and secure digital environment.”
FAQs
What is the difference between the NIN and VNIN ?
- • Your NIN is your unique identification number given to you by the NIMC. Your vNIN is a token generated by you for your NIN verification processes only.
Do I need an NIN to get a virtual NIN?
- • Yes, you need your National Identity Number (NIN) to generate your virtual NIN.
Is virtual NIN used for only online identification?
- • Yes, it is for online identification. For verifications that strictly require physical documents, you may not need to generate a vNIN.
Why do you need a virtual NIN when you have an NIN slip?
- • The NIN holds all your credentials which are private to you. Your vNIN collects specific data needed for verification by a third-party vendor and protects your data privacy.
Is there a fee associated with the generation of a virtual NIN?
- • A service fee of N20 (twenty naira) will likely be charged by your network provider for using the USSD channel. There are no charges associated with virtual NIN generation on the NIMC mobile app.
Do I need to walk into an office again to create my virtual NIN?
- • No, you do not. Your virtual NIN can only be generated and issued by you through your mobile phone via USSD or the NIMC Mobile Web Service (MWS) app.
Can Virtual NIN replace the NIN original slip?
- • The virtual NIN only replaces the NIN slip at the point of verification to keep your data safe and secure. But does not replace your NIN in its entirety. It is a one-off token generated for verification purposes only by verified third parties.
Culled from Metrotimesngr & Gomoney
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