How to download your NIN slip for free on the NINAuth app

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that Nigerians can download their National Identity Number (NIN) slip for free on the NINAuth app. The commission says the process is now easier, but Technext’s test found a few snags users should know about before trying it.

NIMC made the announcement on Wednesday through its official X account, where it posted a short video walkthrough. The post said getting a NIN slip “has never been easier” and described the process as fast, secure and contact-free.

Technext downloaded the app and tested every step. Here is how it works in practice.

Before you start

1. Have your NIN ready, because it is the only detail the app asks for at the start.
2. Connect to the internet, since NINAuth does not work offline.
3. Find a well-lit spot, because sign-up includes facial verification.

Step by step guide on using the NINAuth App to generate NIN slip

1. Download NINAuth from the Play Store. It is listed under Technology Innovation Team and has more than 1 million downloads.
2. Open the app and enter your NIN.
3. Set a six-digit PIN, which you will use for later logins.
4. Complete the facial verification, which the app matches against the photo on your NIN record.
5. Once verified, your profile is set up automatically.
6. Tap “Do more with NINAuth”.
7. Select NIN slip. Tap “Download NIN slip” to generate and save the NIMC-issued slip to your phone.

The facial verification happens only once, at sign-up. In Technext’s tests, the app did not ask for it again when downloading the slip, and it did not reappear across three sessions. NIMC’s video, however, presents the facial check as part of the slip step.

Read also: NIMC denies NIN database breach claims, launches new identity verification platform

What to do if facial verification fails

Technext’s verification failed twice before passing on the third try, using the same device and the same steps. The first attempt was in a well-lit room, and the second was outdoors in natural light. Both failed even though every on-screen tip was followed.

The app advises users to use natural light or a well-lit room, keep their face within the frame and follow the on-screen guide, which asks them to smile, look up, look down, turn left, turn right and look at the camera. It also asks users to remove hats, glasses and masks. If it fails, try again rather than assuming the app is broken.

What the slip looks like and what else the app offers

The downloaded slip differs from the traditional one. Instead of displaying the NIN, it carries a QR code that can be scanned.

NINAuth also has a “get a share code” section. It generates a six-character alphanumeric code that an organisation requesting your NIN data can use to access it, so you never have to hand over the number itself or let anyone scan your QR code. The code expires after 30 days, and you can generate a new one at any time.

The “Do more with NINAuth” section lists four services, but only two currently work: the NIN slip and the national tax ID. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and Credicorp options are listed but are not yet available, which suggests more features are planned.

What happened when we tried the *346# short code

The NIN is required to register on NINAuth, and Technext did not have its NIN at hand when it started. So it tried the *346# short code, the usual route for retrieving a NIN, using an Airtel line.

It did not go through. The screen returned a “Carrier info” message that read: “This service is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later.”

To rule out a problem with one line, Technext used another Airtel line to run the same code, and it returned the same message. Tried with a third line, this time on MTN, and got the same result.

Three attempts across two networks point to a problem that goes beyond one SIM or one network. For anyone who has misplaced their NIN, the app is not much help for now because they cannot register without it.