It is important for foreigners residing in Nigeria to obtain a National Identification Number (NIN), which is issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). This eleven-digit number serves as a unique identifier and is crucial for various legal and administrative purposes such as banking transactions, accessing healthcare services, obtaining a driver’s license, and other legal activities in Nigeria. The Nigerian government mandates that all residents, including foreigners, obtain NIN to ensure a secured and streamlined identity verification system. The process begins by visiting an accredited NIMC registration centre, available across Nigeria. In this article, we will address the concerns related to obtaining NIN as a foreigner, including how to obtain NIN in Nigeria as a foreigner.
CAN A FOREIGNER OBTAIN NIN IN NIGERIA?
Yes, a foreigner can obtain a NIN (National Identification Number) in Nigeria as long as they have satisfied all the legal requirements needed to live in Nigeria as a resident. Foreigners visiting Nigeria for a short period of time or lawfully residing in Nigeria for less than 2 years, and the non-Nigerian diplomatic community, are not required to obtain a NIN.
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR A NATIONAL IDENTITY CARD AS A FOREIGNER IN NIGERIA
Foreigners can obtain a National Identification Number (NIN) in Nigeria, but they must meet specific eligibility criteria and follow certain procedures. To be eligible, a foreigner must be a resident in Nigeria, meaning they must have lived in Nigeria for more than two years or intend to do so. This requirement is provided in section 16 of the National Identity Management Commission Act, 2007, which defines ‘registrable persons’ in Nigeria as:
1. any person who is a citizen of Nigeria
2. any person whether or not he is a citizen of Nigeria, who is lawfully and permanently resident in Nigeria; and
3. any non-citizen of Nigeria who is lawfully resident in Nigeria for a period of two years or more
WHO IS EXEMPTED FROM OBTAINING A NATIONAL IDENTITY CARD IN NIGERIA?
The following persons are exempted from obtaining a National Identity Card in Nigeria or producing it for transactions;
a. A foreigner who is validly transiting through Nigeria or is employed in or resides in Nigeria for less than twenty-four months
b. Members of the diplomatic staff and of the technical and administrative staff of the diplomatic mission of any foreign state; who are not citizens of Nigeria or permanent residents in Nigeria
c. Consular officers and consular employees, together with members of their families forming part of their respective households, provided that such persons are not citizens of Nigeria or permanent residents in Nigeria and
d. Any other person who is not a citizen of Nigeria or a foreigner not authorized under the Immigrations Act to lawfully reside in Nigeria
See Section 10 NIMC Mandatory Use of National Identification Number regulations, 2015.
WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR NIN REGISTRATION AS A FOREIGNER IN NIGERIA
Foreigners applying for a Nigerian NIN need to provide specific documents to prove they meet the legal requirements for residency in Nigeria. The required documents are as follows:
I. Valid Passport: This is required as proof of identity of the foreigner
ii. Valid Visa/Residence Permit: This helps to prove their legal residence status and duration of stay in Nigeria.
iii. Bank Verification Number (BVN): A unique 11-digit identification number issued by the bank to its customers
Other document requirements will be communicated to the applicant by the NIMC as needed.
The registration processes are as stated below:
1. Visit NIMC Enrollment Center: Foreigners must go to an accredited National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) enrollment center. These centers are located across the 36 states in Nigeria.
2. Provide Biometric Data: Applicants will be required to provide their biometric data, including fingerprints and a facial photograph.
3. Fill out the NIN Enrollment Form: This form will capture personal details such as name, date of birth, nationality, and contact information.
4. Verification and Validation: The provided documents and biometric data will be verified and validated by NIMC officials.
5. Issuance of NIN: Once the verification is completed, the foreigner will be issued a National Identification Number (NIN).
WHY OBTAINING NIN IS IMPORTANT TO FOREIGNERS IN NIGERIA
As a foreigner residing in Nigeria, there are limitations on the transactions you can conduct. Section 9 of the Mandatory Use of National Identification Number Regulations 2015 outlines a list of activities that require the use of the NIN.
Registering for the National Identification Number (NIN) is essential for foreigners living in Nigeria for several reasons. It holds significant importance and benefits both the foreigner and Nigeria as a whole. Below are some of the expounded reasons for the need to register for NIN in Nigeria.
a. Registering foreigners enhances national security by providing the government with accurate data on non-citizens. This aids in monitoring and managing their activities, identifying individuals with potentially harmful intentions, and tracking them.
b. According to the NIMC Act 2007, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is responsible for registering and assigning National Identification Numbers (NINs) to all residents of Nigeria, including foreigners. This ensures legal compliance and promotes a regulated and lawful presence of foreigners.
c. Accurate demographic data, including the number of foreigners in the country, aids in effective economic planning and resource allocation. By registering for NIN, the government can better understand the population structure, leading to improved infrastructural development and service provisions.
d. It is mandatory for various activities such as opening bank accounts, obtaining driving licenses, registering for utilities, and registration of companies and aircraft operating within Nigeria. It facilitates a more integrated and smoother living experience in the country.
e. Serves as a unique identifier for every individual, helping to prevent identity fraud and ensuring that individuals are who they claim to be. This is particularly important in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and immigration control.
f. The NIN system provides vital data for statistical analysis and research, contributing to informed policy-making and governance. It helps in tracking population trends, migration patterns, and other important demographic indicators.
In summary, the registration of NIN by foreigners in Nigeria is essential for national security, legal compliance, economic planning, identity verification, access to services, and providing data for research and policy-making, as mandated by the NIMC Act 2007.
CONCLUSION
If you’re a foreigner looking to get an NIN in Nigeria, you need to follow the guidelines set by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). This usually means providing essential documents like a valid international passport, resident permit, and any other required supporting documents. Following the registration requirements is important for obtaining legal recognition and being able to participate in different areas of Nigerian society.
By adhering to the established procedures and providing the required documentation, foreign nationals can effectively navigate the registration process, ensuring their legal status and enhancing their interaction with the Nigerian community.
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