Are you looking for information on how to generate a VNIN?

A virtual NIN also known as VNIN is a 16-digit token used in place of the National Identification Number for identity verification.

In this article, you will learn about the VNIN, what it is used for and how to generate the VNIN code.

What is a VNIN?

The VNIN is an acronym for Virtual National Identification Number. It is a 16-digit alphanumeric code used in identity verification. The VNIN is a brilliant concept by the National Identity Management Commission of Nigeria.

Before now, Nigerians with a valid National Identification number had to provide their NIN while registering for SIM cards, opening bank accounts, retrieving WAEC exam numbers, etc. This posed a threat because it exposed the individual’s National Identification number which can be used for verification without the individual’s consent.

Imagine that you register a SIM card at the roadside kiosk and the SIM registrar collects your National Identification number. With your NIN, the registrar can register multiple SIM cards without your consent, open bank accounts online in your name and do a load of other atrocities.

With the VNIN, you do not have to expose your National Identification number. All you need to do is to provide your VNIN during the verification process.

You might be wondering, “Isn’t exposing the VNIN also risky?”

This leads us to the next part of this article.

Difference between the NIN and VNIN

Here are some differences between the National Identification number and the virtual NIN (VNIN)

1. The VNIN Expires

Unlike the National Identification number that remains constant, the VNIN expires after 72 hours. When you follow the process to generate a new VNIN number, you will get a different number entirely.

This feature makes it almost impossible for people with bad intentions to keep using your identification number.

2. An Enterprise Code is Needed to Generate a VNIN

To generate a VNIN, you will need to provide an Enterprise shortcode. 

Every registered company in Nigeria that needs to verify users’ identity must have an Enterprise shortcode.

This makes it possible to easily track which company is using your information without your consent.

Also, when you generate your VNIN using a company’s enterprise code, your virtual NIN cannot be used on another company or app.

This was not the case when the NIN was used for verification.

3. Your Consent is needed to Generate a VNIN

To generate the VNIN code, the phone number you used to register your NIN will be required. Since this number is always with you, it’s almost impossible to generate the VNIN without your consent.

There are two ways to generate a Virtual NIN; through USSD and the NIMC Mobile app.

How to generate the VNIN Code via USSD

Before you can generate the VNIN code via USSD, you will need the company’s enterprise short code and the phone number you used to register your NIN.

Request for the enterprise short code, then dial *346*3*Your NIN*EnterpriseCode#.

Replace “Your NIN with your actual NIN number. Also, replace the Enterprise shortcode with the code obtained from the organisation.

If done successfully, your VNIN code will appear on the screen. Copy the code without leaving spaces.

How to Generate VNIN via the NIMC Mobile App

This is the recommended way to generate your virtual NIN. You need to register on the NIMC mobile app if you haven’t.

Open the NIMC mobile app and enter your 6-digit PIN to log in.

Once you are logged in, click on Get Virtual NIN.

Read the enhanced data privacy policy and click on Get Started.

Click on “Search Approved Enterprise” and locate the organisation you want to submit your NIN to. If the name of the organisation does not appear, request for the Enterprise shortcode, select enterprise shortcode on the app.

Paste the code and click on submit. The virtual NIN will appear on the screen. Click the copy button to copy the code.

Enterprise Shortcode for Popular Companies

1. MTN: 109071
2. Airtel: 121097
3. Mainline Digitech Innovations: 696739 (WAEC uses this)
4. JAMB: 004186
5. LUNO: 0048395
6. Nigeria Police Force (Interpol): 016058
7. Nigeria Police Force (Forensic Unit): 126217
8. Quidax: 0407776
9. Opay: 0625027
10. Branch International Financial Services:: 0631361
11. FRSC: 072211
12. Stanbic IBTC Bank: 8752557
13. VFS Global: 105291
14. National Pension Commission: 113008
15. Paxful: 1198927
16. FIRS: 121125
17. NTEL: 132993
18. Ecobank” 1713150
19. Etranzact: 206244
20. SMILE Communication: 272289
21. Nigeria Immigration Service: 291405
22. Guaranty Trust Bank: 292968
23. Zenith Bank: 3436648
24. GLOBACOM Limited: 547789
25. Fairmoney: 5625695
26. Nigeria Airforce: 580163
27. First bank: 7159715
28. United Bank of Africa: 847643
29. Kuda: 8516761
30. Access Bank: 9331361

We hope this article has taught you about the virtual national identification number and how to generate a VNIN code.

You can also read our article on how to print the NIN slip and how to apply for a Nigerian international passport.

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