How to Unlock SIMs Blocked for NIN

Do you want to unblock your sim card that was barred because of NIN?

The Nigerian government set a regulatory requirement that SIM cards without a linked National Identification Number (NIN) should be barred barred in order to enhance security and verify the identity of individuals.

In this guide, you will learn how to unblock your Airtel, MTN, Glo, or Etisalat SIM card.

TIP: You must have your NIN before you can complete any of the methods. If you don’t have a NIN, read how to get a NIN.

Method 1: On your SIM card

With your SIM card, dial the USSD codes for your mobile network to seamlessly link your NIN. They are as follows: 

• For MTN Dial *785#, enter your NIN and submit or dial *785*Your NIN#
• For Glo CustomersSimply send “UPDATENIN NIN FirstName and LastName” to 109.
• For Airtel CustomersDial *121*1# and follow the prompt to link.
• For 9Mobile CustomersDial *200*8# and follow the prompts to link your NIN

Method 2: On NIMC mobile app

Download the NIMC mobile app on an android or iOS device. Open the app and input your NIN to log in. Then follow these steps:

• Tap on the “My Devices” button on the bottom right part of your dashboard on the app. 
• Tap on “Add Mobile Number” and input the mobile phone number you wish to link. 
• Input the OTP sent to that mobile phone number.

You can link up to seven (7) mobile phone numbers.