How do I Verify my Virtual National Identity Number(VNIN)?

This is a short guide to tips on how to verify your NIN using the new Virtual NIN(VNIN) process on Sycamore’s mobile app and Web dashboard.

Written by Oluwafelami Ajikobi


The National Identification Management Commission(NIMC) introduced the VNIN to protect user data privacy via the use of an encrypted, coded representation (“disguised”) version of the NIN rather than the actual NIN itself in day-to-day transactions. The Federal Government  adopted the solution to ensure the privacy of personally identifiable information of individuals during verification transactions and to reduce incidences of illegal retrieval, usage, transfer, and storage of NIN. 

Virtual National Identity Number(VNIN) is a tokenized version of your actual NIN which another party verifying the number cannot retain and use in a way that puts your data privacy at risk. 

Your VNIN consists of a set of 16 alphanumeric characters and expires 72 hours after being generated. 

Your VNIN can only be used once to verify your identity. If it fails for any reason, you have to generate a new one.

Here’s how to verify your NIN using the newly proposed VNIN on the Sycamore App/ Web Dashboard:
- To verify your identity with your NIN, we'll need your Virtual NIN(VNIN).
- To generate your VNIN, please follow the following steps:

1. A USSD code: Dial * 346 * 3 * Your NIN * 696739# . Please dial this on the mobile number linked to your NIN. You will receive an SMS with your VNIN afterwards. 

Please note that you will be charged N20 for using this service.

 2. The NIMC Personal ID Mobile App: Generate your VNIN on the ‘NIMC Personal ID’ app by clicking on the ‘GET VIRTUAL NIN’ tab on the Home screen.

• Next, you can use the ‘Search Approved Enterprise’ option and input Sycamore’s agent code: 696739. The name Mainline Digitech Innovations(Sycamore’s Identity Verification Partner) will pop up on the list for you to choose from.

• Enter your 16 digit VNIN so we can verify your identity.

• This VNIN is only valid for 72 hours.

3. Once you enter your VNIN, an OTP is sent to the mobile number registered on your NIN. 

4. Once the OTP is verified, your VNIN is added to your profile and you can now transact seamlessly on Sycamore.

There are a number of reasons why your VNIN verification may fail. The major reason being that your records on Sycamore don't match your records on your VNIN.

You may read this article to learn more about why you couldn't verify your VNIN.