Can I Register Another NIN With Another Number? (2026 Official Guide – What’s Allowed & What’s Not)

Let’s answer this directly, because many people are confused:

No, one person cannot legally have two different NINs in Nigeria.
But yes, you can link multiple phone numbers to one NIN.

Those two ideas get mixed up all the time, and that confusion causes a lot of problems.

This 2026 guide explains:

• Whether you can register another NIN
• What the law actually allows
• How many numbers one NIN can hold
• What happens if you try to get two NINs
• The safest and legal way to manage your SIMs

No rumours. No agent stories. Just real rules from Nigerian identity systems.

What Is a NIN and Why It Is Unique

NIN means National Identification Number. It is issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and serves as your permanent digital identity.

Your NIN is used for:

• SIM registration
• Bank accounts
• BVN verification
• Government services
• Passport and voter systems

Think of NIN as your digital fingerprint. You can change your phone number. You can change your SIM. But your NIN stays with you for life.

Can One Person Have Two NINs?

Short answer: No.

Legal answer: Absolutely not.

NIMC policy clearly states:

One person = One NIN = One biometric identity

Your fingerprints, face, and demographic data are stored in a central system. That system detects duplicates automatically.

So if you try to register again:

• The system flags your biometrics
• The new record gets rejected
• Or both records get locked

In some cases, people even get blacklisted temporarily.

Why Some People Think They Have Two NINs

This confusion usually happens because:

• They forgot they registered years ago
• They used different names
• They registered through different agents
• They lost their old slip
• They didn’t collect their NIN

But in reality, the system already has one record per person.

You may lose your slip, but your identity never disappears.

So What Can You Actually Do?

Here’s the legal and allowed version:

You cannot:

• Register another NIN
• Own two NINs
• Create a second identity

But you can:

• Link multiple phone numbers to one NIN
• Change the phone number on your NIN
• Update your NIN details

This is where most people get it wrong.

Can I Register Another NIN With Another Number?

Let’s rephrase your question correctly:

Can I use another phone number with my NIN?

Yes, you can.

But you must link it to your existing NIN, not create a new one.

How Many Phone Numbers Can One NIN Have?

According to NCC and NIMC guidelines:

• A single NIN can hold 4 to 6 SIM cards
• This includes all networks combined:
  • MTN
  • Airtel
  • Glo
  • 9mobile

So for example:

• 2 MTN
• 1 Airtel
• 1 Glo

That’s already four.

Exceeding this limit can cause:

• Automatic SIM blocks
• Registration failures
• Network restrictions

The Correct Way to Use Another Number

If you bought a new SIM and want to use it:

Step 1: Buy the SIM

From any official network outlet.

Step 2: Link It to Your Existing NIN

Using:

*785# (for MTN)

Or similar codes for other networks.

Step 3: Confirm Link

Dial:

*346#

To check linked numbers.

That’s all. No new NIN needed.

What Happens If You Try to Register Another NIN?

Let’s be honest.

Trying to get another NIN can lead to:

• System rejection
• Duplicate identity issues
• Record suspension
• Delays in SIM services
• Problems with banks
• Issues with passports

And worst case:

• NIMC may freeze both records for investigation

So instead of solving a problem, you create ten more.

Is It a Crime to Have Two NINs?

Yes, technically.

Under Nigerian identity regulations:

• Duplicate identity is considered fraud
• Even if done “by mistake”
• Especially if used for banking or telecom

Most people are not prosecuted, but the records get blocked.

And fixing blocked NIN records is a nightmare.

What If I Lost My NIN Slip?

Don’t panic.

You don’t need a new NIN.

Just retrieve it:

Dial:

*346#

Follow the prompts and retrieve your existing NIN.

Your identity is already stored.

What If My Old Phone Number Is Gone?

Very common situation.

If your old NIN number is lost:

You don’t register again.

You simply:

• Visit NIMC
• Request phone number change
• Verify biometrics
• Add new number

Your NIN stays the same.

Only the contact number changes.

What If Someone Already Registered NIN For Me?

Some agents do this.

They:

• Use their own phone number
• Register you
• Collect money
• Disappear

Now you don’t control your own NIN.

Solution:

• Visit NIMC
• Request phone number update
• Replace agent number with yours

Again, no new NIN is needed.

Can Two People Share One NIN?

No.

Each NIN is tied to:

• Unique fingerprints
• Unique face
• Unique demographic profile

You cannot:

• Share NIN
• Borrow NIN
• Register SIM with another person’s NIN

That is illegal and traceable.

How to Check How Many Numbers Are Linked to Your NIN

Always verify.

Dial:

*346#

Select:

• NIN services
• Check linked numbers

You’ll see:

• All phone numbers
• Across all networks

This helps you:

• Detect unknown SIMs
• Avoid exceeding limits
• Remove unused lines

How to Remove Unwanted Numbers

If you see numbers you don’t recognise:

• Visit NIMC or your network center
• Request SIM delinking
• Verify identity
• Remove unwanted lines

This protects your digital identity.

Common Myths You Must Ignore

“I can get another NIN for business”

False.

“I need two NINs for different SIMs”

False.

“I lost NIN so I must re-register”

False.

“Cybercafé can create new NIN”

Illegal.

There is no such thing as:

• Business NIN
• Backup NIN
• Second NIN

One human. One NIN.

Why Nigeria Uses One-NIN-Per-Person System

Because NIN now connects to:

• SIM cards
• BVN
• Banks
• Passports
• Government benefits
• Law enforcement systems

If people had multiple NINs:

• Fraud would explode
• Identity would be meaningless
• Crime tracking would fail

So the system enforces uniqueness strictly.

Trusted Sources & Data Integrity

This article is based on verified information from:

• National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)
• Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
• Nigeria SIM-NIN policy framework
• Government identity management guidelines

No unofficial methods were used.

Final Answer (Clear and Honest)

So, can you register another NIN with another number?

The real answer:

No. You cannot legally have two NINs.

But you can:

Link multiple phone numbers to your single NIN.

That is the correct and legal solution.

If you try to create another NIN:

• The system will detect you
• Your records may get blocked
• You’ll create more problems than you solve

In 2026, your NIN is not just a number.
It is your permanent digital identity in Nigeria.

And just like your fingerprint, you only get one.