If you’re searching for how to change the phone number linked to your NIN in Nigeria, you’re not alone. Many Nigerians need to update their NIN details after losing a SIM card, changing networks, or switching to a new phone number.
Since your NIN (National Identification Number) is linked to your SIM, bank account, passport, and other government records, keeping your phone number updated is very important. If you are opening a new bank account, especially with a smaller bank, they even send a text to the phone number linked to your NIN, just to ensure that you are who you claimed to be.
This article explains everything clearly, where to go, what to take, how much it costs, and what to expect.
Table of Contents
Why You May Need to Change the Phone Number Linked to Your NIN
There are Several reasons Nigerians update their NIN phone number:
- You lost your SIM card permanently
- Your old number was blocked
- You changed network providers
- Your number was linked without your consent
- You want to link your NIN to a new active line
If your old number is inactive, you may not receive OTPs for banking, SIM verification, or government services. That’s why knowing how to change the phone number linked to your NIN in Nigeria is very important.
Can You Change the Phone Number Linked to Your NIN Online?
At the moment, you cannot fully change the phone number linked to your NIN in Nigeria online by yourself. You must visit an official NIMC enrolment centre or accredited modification centre.
However, Be careful of fake websites claiming they can update your NIN details online. Many are scams, always using official channels.
Requirements: What You Need to Change the Phone Number Linked to Your NIN
Before going to the NIMC office, make sure you have the following
- Your NIN slip (printout or digital copy)
- A valid means of identification (optional but advisable)
- The new phone number you want to link (must be active and registered in your name)
- Modification fee
How Much Does It Cost?
As of recent updates, NIMC charges approximately ₦500 – ₦1,000 for phone number modification (Prices may vary slightly depending on location). Always request an official receipt after payment.
Step-by-Step: How to Change the Phone Number Linked to Your NIN
To change the phone number linked to your NIN in Nigeria, Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Visit an Official NIMC Enrolment Centre
You can visit any nearby NIMC office or accredited centre in your state. In Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and other major cities, there are multiple centres.
Step 2: Request for NIN Modification Form
Tell them clearly you want to change the phone number linked to your NIN and collect the NIN modification form.
Step 3: Provide Your NIN
Fill out the modification form correctly and submit your NIN slip.
Step 4: Submit Your New Phone Number
Provide the new number you want to link and ensure:
- The SIM is active
- It is registered in your name
- You have access to it
Step 5: Biometric Verification
While at the NIMC centre, you may be required to do fingerprint verification.
Step 6: Pay the Required Fee
Make payment and collect your receipt.
Step 7: Confirmation
You’ll receive confirmation once the update is successful. This may take a few days.
How Long Does It Take to Change the Phone Number Linked to Your NIN
In most cases, the process at the centre takes 20 to 45 minutes (depending on crowd). The update reflects within 24 hours to a few days. However, If it delays, you can revisit the centre with your receipt.
Important Things to Know Before Changing Your NIN Phone Number
- Your new SIM must be properly registered.
- The name on your SIM should match your NIN details.
- Do not pay anyone outside the official payment channel.
- Avoid roadside agents claiming instant NIN updates.
Security is important because your NIN is linked to your bank accounts and financial records.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Change the Phone Number Linked to Your NIN
Can I change my NIN phone number through my network provider?
No. MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile cannot change your NIN phone number. Only NIMC can do that.
Can someone change it for me?
You must appear physically for biometric verification.
What if my old number is still active?
You can still update to a new one. The old number does not need to be active.
Can I link multiple numbers to one NIN?
Yes. You can link multiple SIM cards to one NIN.
Can I change other details while updating my NIN phone number?
Yes. When visiting the NIMC centre, you can also request correction of name, date of birth, or address.
But note that different modifications have different official fees.
Can I change the phone number linked to my NIN at a cyber café?
No. Only official NIMC offices or accredited enrolment centres are authorized to modify NIN details.
Therefore, avoid roadside agents or cyber cafés claiming they can update your NIN information.
Where can I find my nearest NIN office?
If you’re searching for how to change the phone number linked to your NIN in Nigeria, you’re not alone. Many Nigerians need to update their NIN details after losing a SIM card, changing networks, or switching to a new phone number.
Since your NIN (National Identification Number) is linked to your SIM, bank account, passport, and other government records, keeping your phone number updated is very important. If you are opening a new bank account, especially with a smaller bank, they even send a text to the phone number linked to your NIN, just to ensure that you are who you claimed to be.
This article explains everything clearly, where to go, what to take, how much it costs, and what to expect.
Why You May Need to Change the Phone Number Linked to Your NIN
There are Several reasons Nigerians update their NIN phone number:
- You lost your SIM card permanently
- Your old number was blocked
- You changed network providers
- Your number was linked without your consent
- You want to link your NIN to a new active line
If your old number is inactive, you may not receive OTPs for banking, SIM verification, or government services. That’s why knowing how to change the phone number linked to your NIN in Nigeria is very important.
Can You Change the Phone Number Linked to Your NIN Online?
At the moment, you cannot fully change the phone number linked to your NIN in Nigeria online by yourself. You must visit an official NIMC enrolment centre or accredited modification centre.
However, Be careful of fake websites claiming they can update your NIN details online. Many are scams, always using official channels.
Requirements: What You Need to Change the Phone Number Linked to Your NIN
Before going to the NIMC office, make sure you have the following
- Your NIN slip (printout or digital copy)
- A valid means of identification (optional but advisable)
- The new phone number you want to link (must be active and registered in your name)
- Modification fee
How Much Does It Cost?
As of recent updates, NIMC charges approximately ₦500 – ₦1,000 for phone number modification (Prices may vary slightly depending on location). Always request an official receipt after payment.
Step-by-Step: How to Change the Phone Number Linked to Your NIN
To change the phone number linked to your NIN in Nigeria, Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Visit an Official NIMC Enrolment Centre
You can visit any nearby NIMC office or accredited centre in your state. In Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and other major cities, there are multiple centres.
Step 2: Request for NIN Modification Form
Tell them clearly you want to change the phone number linked to your NIN and collect the NIN modification form.
Step 3: Provide Your NIN
Fill out the modification form correctly and submit your NIN slip.
Step 4: Submit Your New Phone Number
Provide the new number you want to link and ensure:
- The SIM is active
- It is registered in your name
- You have access to it
Step 5: Biometric Verification
While at the NIMC centre, you may be required to do fingerprint verification.
Step 6: Pay the Required Fee
Make payment and collect your receipt.
Step 7: Confirmation
You’ll receive confirmation once the update is successful. This may take a few days.
How Long Does It Take to Change the Phone Number Linked to Your NIN
In most cases, the process at the centre takes 20 to 45 minutes (depending on crowd). The update reflects within 24 hours to a few days. However, If it delays, you can revisit the centre with your receipt.
Important Things to Know Before Changing Your NIN Phone Number
- Your new SIM must be properly registered.
- The name on your SIM should match your NIN details.
- Do not pay anyone outside the official payment channel.
- Avoid roadside agents claiming instant NIN updates.
Security is important because your NIN is linked to your bank accounts and financial records.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Change the Phone Number Linked to Your NIN
Can I change my NIN phone number through my network provider?
No. MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile cannot change your NIN phone number. Only NIMC can do that.
Can someone change it for me?
You must appear physically for biometric verification.
What if my old number is still active?
You can still update to a new one. The old number does not need to be active.
Can I link multiple numbers to one NIN?
Yes. You can link multiple SIM cards to one NIN.
Can I change other details while updating my NIN phone number?
Yes. When visiting the NIMC centre, you can also request correction of name, date of birth, or address.
But note that different modifications have different official fees.
Can I change the phone number linked to my NIN at a cybercafé?
No. Only official NIMC offices or accredited enrolment centres are authorized to modify NIN details.
Therefore, avoid roadside agents or cyber cafés claiming they can update your NIN information.
Where can I find my nearest NIN office?
Full List of NIMC Enrollment Centres
FCT, ABUJA NIMC ENROLMENT CENTRES
- State Office, 2nd Floor, Block C, No. 3 Maputo Street, Zone 3
- Abaji Local Government Secretariat (Council Chambers), Off Kogi-Agbaji Expressway, Abaji
- Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Lugbe Federal Housing Authority (FHA)
- AMAC Secretariat, Kabusa Junction, Apo Village
- Bwari Area Council Secretariat, Bwari
- Chief’s Palace, Dakwa
- Dei-Dei International Building Materials Market
- Palace, Dutse Alhaji
- Faith Academy School, Kubwa
- FCT High Court, MaitamaFRSC FCT Command, Zone 7, Wuse
- State Security Service (SSS), Yellow House Headquarters SSS, Aso VillaFederal Secretariat Phase I, Ground Floor, SGF Hall, Ahmadu Bello Way
- Old Federal Secretariat, After Atlas Hotel, Gwagwalada AbujaThird Avenue By Police Station, Gwarinpa
- High Court, By Police Signboard, Close to Lugbe Market, Airport Road
- INEC Headquarters, Maitama
- Chief’s Palace, Jiwa
- Women Development Centre Opposite Secretariat, Karshi
- Kenuj Angels School, Jikwoyi Phase 1 Extension
- Kuje LGA, Opposite Forest Pasali, along Kuje/Gwagwalada Road
- Chief’s Palace, Kurudu
- Kwali Area Council Secretariat, Abuja/Lokoja Expressway, Kwali
- Mambilla Barracks, Asokoro
- Ministry Of Foreign Affairs, Ahmadu Bello Way
- Federal Ministry Of Agriculture, Area 11, Garki
- Mogadishu Barracks, after A.Y.A, along Nyanya-Mararba Road
- Opposite Zenith Bank, National Assembly
- Nigeria Immigration Service Head Quarters ERC, Sauka, Airport Road Abuja
- Customs Workshop, beside Custom Clinic, Karu Site
- NIMC Headquarters, 11 Sokode Crescent, Off Dalaba Street, Zone 5, Wuse, Abuja
- NIMC Headquarters Annex, 11 Sokode Crescent, Off Dalaba Street, Zone 5, Wuse, Abuja
- NIMC Headquarters VIP, 11 Sokode Crescent, Off Dalaba Street, Zone 5, Wuse, Abuja
- NIPOST Kubwa, Opposite Kubwa General Hospital, Phase IV
- National Orientation Agency, NOA, Old Federal Secretariat, Area 1, Garki
- National Open University of Nigeria, Jabi, Off FMC Road
- NYSC Camp, Kubwa
- Public Service Institute Of Nigeria, Kubwa Road, Dutse
- Office Of The Secretary To The Government Of The Federation (OSGF), Shehu Shagari Complex
LAGOS STATE NIMC ENROLMENT CENTRES
- State Office, Plot 1b, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Alausa Ikeja
- Amuwo Odofin Local Govt Secretariat, 41 Road, Festac Town
- LCDA Secretariat, Ayobo Road, Ipaja
- Badagry LGA, Soglo Way, Town Hall, Badagry
- Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island
- Epe Local Government Area Office
- Eti Osa LGA, Klm 15, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Igbo Efon
- FIRS Building, 17b Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos
- GT Bank Ajah, Ilaja Bus Stop by Oando Filing Station
- GT Bank Alaba, Obosi Plaza, Obosi Bus Stop, Alaba International, Ojo LGA
- GT Bank 21/22 Catholic Mission Street, Lagos Island
- GT Bank Idimu Egbeda Road, Car Wash Bus Stop, AlimoshoGT Bank Iju Road, 90 Iju Road, Jungle Bus Stop, Agege
- GT Bank, Ikorodu, Ayangburen Road, T.O.S. Benson Road along General Hospital, Lagos
- GT Bank Ketu, 154 Ikorodu Road, Ketu Kosofe
- GT Bank Oba Akran, 33 Oba Akran Avenue Opp. First Bank Close To Forte Oil, Ikeja
- GT Bank Masha, 145 Ogunlana Drive, Masha Roundabout, Surulere
- Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, beside Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja
- GT Bank ERC Ogba, Ikeja
- Local Government Secretariat HQ, Ibeju- Lekki
- Layeni Health Centre, Ojo Road by Suru-Alaba Bus Stop, Ifelodun LCDA
- 2, Igando Ikotun LCDA, Idimu Road, Ikotun
- 9/11 Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road, Ijaiye Ojokoro LCDA
- 1, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja LGA, Ikeja
- Ikorodu LGA Secretariat, Opp. Ikorodu General Hospital, Ebute Road, Ikorodu
- 1-7, Muri Okunola Street, Victoria Island
- MBA Block, MBA Board Room, LASU, Ojo
Other NIMC enrolment centres can be found on the NIMC official website for more information. Kindly click the link provided to check for the address of the National Identity Management Commission office in your State of origin or State of residence so as to be properly informed on where you can register for your National Identification Number (NIN) in the country today.
Author: Adebukola Ogunremi
Adebukola Ogunremi is a Nigerian writer who creates content on personal finance, career growth, workplace trends, and money habits, helping readers make smarter financial and professional decisions. She is also a God-fearing Woman with brains🙂
