You can link your NIN to a Glo number using the available NIN-SIM channels from Glo and the NCC. The NCC lists *996# for NIN-SIM linkage, while Glo also provides NIN update options through 109. After submitting your NIN, use *996# to confirm your linkage status.
Quick Answer: Glo NIN Linkage
| What you need | Current option |
|---|---|
| Link NIN to Glo | Dial *996# and follow the prompts |
| Link NIN by SMS | Send UPDATENIN NIN FirstName LastName to 109 |
| Check linkage status | Dial *996# |
| Retrieve an existing NIN | Dial *346# |
| Verification failed | Visit an authorised Glo SIM registration outlet |
The important point is that submitting your NIN is not the same as completing verification. Glo must verify your NIN before the number is successfully linked.
What You Need Before Linking Your NIN
Have these ready:
- Your 11-digit NIN
- Your Glo SIM
- Access to the Glo number
- Your correct name and registration details
Your NIN details should match the information on your SIM registration record. A mismatch can cause verification to fail.
Don’t Know Your NIN?
If you already registered for a NIN but cannot remember the number, the NCC lists *346# for NIN retrieval.
If you have never registered for a NIN, you need to complete your NIN enrolment first. This step-by-step guide to NIN registration in Nigeria covers the enrollment process and the documents you may need.
If you already have a NIN but need a copy of your identification slip, you can also use the process explained in guide to printing a NIN slip online.
How to Link NIN to a Glo Number
There are several ways to submit your NIN. The current NCC guidance lists *996# as the NIN-SIM linkage channel. The NCC also provides a Glo-specific SMS format for updating your NIN.
1. Use the *996# USSD Code
To start the NIN-SIM linkage process:
- Dial
*996#from your Glo line. - Follow the instructions on your screen.
- Enter your NIN when requested.
- Submit the request.
- Check your status after the submission.
The *996# code is also used to check whether your NIN has been linked.
Important: A successful NIN submission does not automatically mean that your line has passed verification. Your network provider must verify the submitted NIN.
2. Link Your NIN to Glo by SMS
The NCC lists the following SMS format for Globacom subscribers:
UPDATENIN NIN FirstName LastName
Send the message to:
109
For example, a subscriber named Tony Umoh with the fictional NIN 12345678912 would send:
UPDATENIN 12345678912 Tony Umoh
Use your own NIN and name details when sending the message.
Do not share your NIN in public posts, comments, or unverified messages.
For people who need to share their identity details without exposing their main NIN, a virtual NIN (vNIN) offers a separate identifier for certain verification purposes.
3. Use Glo’s 109 Update Channels
Glo has also published 109-based NIN update options, including SMS, USSD and voice support.
Because Glo’s current NIN page directs customers to *996# for checking linkage status, use *996# to confirm whether your number is actually linked after submitting your NIN.
This distinction matters:
Submitting your NIN = request made.
Successful verification = NIN linked to your Glo number.
4. Visit a Glo SIM Registration Outlet
If the USSD or SMS process does not work, visit an authorized Glo SIM registration outlet.
Glo lists Gloworld, Glozone, and authorized SIM registration outlets as places where customers can get help with SIM registration issues.
You may need to visit an outlet if:
- Your NIN verification fails
- Your SIM details do not match your NIN
- Your number still shows as unlinked
- Your line has been barred
- You need to correct your SIM registration details
How to Check If Your NIN Is Linked to Glo
After submitting your NIN, dial:
*996#
Follow the prompts to check your NIN-SIM linkage status.
If Glo Confirms That Your Number Is Linked
Your NIN-SIM linkage is complete for that number.
If you were still receiving NIN reminders, Glo says you can ignore them once your number shows as linked.
If Glo Says Your NIN Is Not Linked
Your linkage has not been completed.
Check that your NIN and SIM registration details are correct. If the problem continues, Glo advises customers to visit a SIM registration outlet.
Why Is My Glo NIN Linking Not Working?
A common reason is a mismatch between your NIN information and your SIM registration details.
The NCC says a mismatch can cause NIN verification to fail.
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| NIN verification failed | Visit an authorised Glo outlet |
| You submitted your NIN but cannot confirm the status | Dial *996# |
| Your number still shows as unlinked | Visit a Glo SIM registration outlet |
| Your line is barred | Check your linkage status and contact Glo |
| Your name or other details do not match | Ask Glo to check your SIM registration record |
Do not assume that sending the same NIN again will solve a verification problem. If the records do not match, Glo may need to review the SIM registration details.
What If My Glo Line Is Still Barred After Linking My NIN?
Submitting your NIN does not always mean that verification is complete.
The network provider must verify the NIN before the SIM can be successfully linked.
If your Glo line is still barred:
- Dial
*996#. - Check your NIN-SIM linkage status.
- Confirm whether Glo shows the number as linked.
- If it is still unlinked, visit an authorized Glo SIM registration outlet.
- Ask Glo to check whether your NIN and SIM registration details match.
There is no need to guess whether the linkage worked. The status shown by the network is what matters.
Can One NIN Be Linked to Multiple Glo Numbers?
Yes. The NCC says subscribers with multiple mobile lines should update their SIM records with their NIN.
If you have more than one Glo number, make sure each number is properly linked. Contact Glo if you need help updating several lines.
Avoid relying on a fixed number of allowed lines unless Glo or the NCC confirms the current limit.
The same NIN-SIM process applies across other Nigerian networks. For example, linking a NIN to an Airtel line and linking a NIN to 9mobile.
How to Link a Glo Number to NIN From Abroad
Glo also provides a process for subscribers who are outside Nigeria.
Glo says customers abroad can request NIN linkage by email. The subject line should be
Diaspora NIN linking
Follow the current instructions on Glo’s official NIN page when making the request.
If you are abroad and do not have a NIN, Glo advises contacting NIMC about available NIN enrolment centres.
What If You Don’t Have a NIN?
You need a NIN before you can complete NIN-SIM linkage.
If you have never registered for a NIN, the NIN registration process in Nigeria covers the main enrolment steps.
If you already registered but cannot find your NIN number, use the official retrieval process instead of registering again.
For anyone who needs a physical or digital copy after registration, printing your NIN slip online is another option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the code to link NIN to Glo?
Dial *996# and follow the prompts. The NCC lists *996# the NIN-SIM linkage USSD channel.
How do I link my NIN to Glo by SMS?
Send:
UPDATENIN NIN FirstName LastName
to 109.
Use your actual NIN, first name, and last name.
How do I check my NIN linkage status on Glo?
Dial *996# from your Glo line and follow the prompts.
Glo currently directs customers to *996# check NIN-SIM linkage status.
Can I link NIN to Glo without visiting an office?
Yes. You can submit your NIN through the available USSD and SMS channels.
However, you may need to visit a Glo registration outlet if verification fails or your SIM registration details need correction.
Why did my NIN verification fail?
A mismatch between your NIN details and your Glo SIM registration details can cause verification to fail.
If this happens, visit an authorized Glo outlet so the issue can be checked.
Why am I still receiving NIN messages from Glo?
Dial *996# to check your linkage status.
If Glo confirms that your number is linked, Glo says you can ignore the reminder. If the number is still unlinked, visit a Glo SIM registration outlet.
What to Do After Linking Your NIN
Once you submit your NIN, check your status.
Dial:
*996#
If Glo confirms that your number is linked, the process is complete.
If your number is still unlinked, visit an authorized Glo registration outlet and ask them to check your NIN and SIM registration details.
Keep your NIN private. Do not post it online or send it to unverified contacts.
If you also pay for international subscriptions or online services, EverTry provides virtual payment options that can help you manage those payments.
Information can change as telecom and NIN-SIM requirements are updated. Check the latest instructions from Glo, NCC, or NIMC before submitting your identity information.
Jamilah is a digital marketer focused on fintech growth, SEO, and user acquisition.
She works on content and campaigns that help users navigate cross-border payments more easily.
At EverTry, she supports marketing initiatives aimed at making global payments simpler and more accessible.