Lost your SIM and need to retrieve your NIN? Normally, you’d dial *346# but that won’t work without the phone number tied to your NIN. For thousands of Nigerians in 2025, that’s exactly the problem: It’s either your SIM lost, line blocked, or no access.

I was in the same situation earlier this year. My registered MTN line got barred, and I needed my NIN for NYSC clearance. I recovered it without the SIM and in this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how you can do the same.

Situations Where You Might Need This

• Lost or damaged SIM card linked to NIN
• SIM blocked due to NIN non-compliance
• Changed phone number without updating NIN records
• Using a new device and can’t access old NIMC SMS

This guide gives you offline, online, and in-person solutions that work in 2025.

1. Use the NIMC Mobile ID App (No SIM Required)

This is the fastest method if you still remember your NIN number or email.

Steps:

1. Download the NIMC Mobile ID app from Play Store or App Store.
2. Launch the app and tap “I want to retrieve my NIN.”
3. Provide either
   • Email used during NIN registration, or
   • BVN or fingerprint (if previously linked)
4. Verify using your face (facial biometrics now supported in 2025).
5. Once verified, your NIN appears on the home screen.

Note: This method doesn’t need the phone number but it requires that you previously activated the NIMC app or linked your BVN.

2. Visit an NIMC Enrollment Centre (If App Fails)

If you can’t access the app, head to any official NIMC enrollment centre with a valid ID.

What You’ll Need:

• National ID slip or any government-issued ID
• BVN (if available)
• An affidavit if your SIM was stolen or lost

Ask them to retrieve your NIN using biometric verification. They’ll scan your fingerprint and pull your record.

You’ll get a reprint or SMS within 24 – 48 hours.

3. Use Your Bank to Recover Your NIN (New in 2025)

Several Nigerian banks now offer NIN lookup services in their mobile apps.

Try this:

• Open your bank’s app (GTBank, Zenith, First Bank, etc.)
  
• Navigate to Profile or BVN/NIN settings
• Tap “Retrieve NIN”
  
• Confirm your account identity (PIN or OTP)

If your NIN was previously linked to your BVN, it will appear instantly.

4. Check Old Documents or Emails

Many Nigerians receive their NIN:

• In a registration slip printed at the center
• As an email during pre-enrollment
• Attached to their WAEC/JAMB profile since 2022

Search for these:

• Email subject: “NIN Registration Confirmation” or “Your NIMC ID Number”
• File names: NIN_slip.pdf, national_ID.jpeg, etc.

5. What If You Forgot Both NIN and Registration Info?

If you don’t remember your NIN, don’t have the SIM, and can’t access the app:

• Go to an NIMC center
• Tell them you lost your NIN and SIM
• Provide a valid ID (passport, driver’s license, voter’s card)
• They’ll perform biometric re-verification
• You may need to fill an affidavit for loss of credentials

Important: Do not attempt to re-enroll. Duplicate records may get flagged or blocked.

Safety Tips to Avoid Losing Access Again

• Write down your NIN in at least two secure places.
• Link your NIN to your BVN, driver’s license, passport, WAEC, and JAMB.
• Install the NIMC Mobile ID app and back it up with an email.
• If you lose a SIM tied to your NIN, do a SIM swap immediately to retain access.

Final Thoughts

Losing access to your phone number doesn’t mean your NIN is gone forever. With just a valid ID or your BVN, you can retrieve it through the app, your bank, or NIMC directly.

I’ve done it; others have too. The system isn’t perfect, but it works when you follow the right steps.