Ever feel like NIN VS BVN? Let’s learn their meanings, differences and what you can do with both.
If you get lost and confused about the issue of BVN and NIN you didn’t have to worry anymore.
After reading this content you will left here with Zero confusion and a clear understanding of both, we aren’t limited to learning about their meanings and differences, we will also dig down on how to obtain each.
Now let’s start with NIN before proceeding to BVN.
Table of Contents
What is NIN?
NIN is also known as National Identification Number, it’s a unique number which identifies you for life.
It’s also worth noting that the National Identification number can only be issued to you by NIMC after your enrolment.
Guess what? It is used to match you with your biometric data and other details in the National Identity Database during verification and authentication.
How To Obtain A National Identification Number?
Obtaining a National Identification Number (NIN) is not as difficult as it seems, all you have to do is to visit the near NIMC office.
Before going there prepare your date of birth and go along with it, however if you have a school ID card with your date of birth in it you don’t necessarily need to take the certificate of birth to the NIMC office as the ID Card will represent it.
What is BVN?
Bank Verification Number also known as BVN is a biometric identification system implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria to curb or reduce illegal banking transactions in Nigeria.
How To Obtain A BVN?
Visit a nearest Bank with your National Identity Card, tell customer care you want to enroll a BVN, they will give you a form to fill out.
You can ask customer care of the bank you chose for more details about the enrollment process.
BVN VS NIN Comparing The Differences
Now that you have learned about the BVN and NIN I bet you knew the differences.
The National Identification Number (NIN) and the Bank Verification Number (BVN) are both unique identification numbers used in Nigeria. However, there are some key differences between the two numbers, let’s explore and see NIN VS BVN.
- Legal basis: The NIN is a legal requirement under the National Identity Management Act of 2007, while the BVN is a policy directive by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
- Scope: The NIN is a mandatory requirement for all citizens and legal residents of Nigeria, while the BVN is only required for bank account holders.
- Uses: The NIN can be used for a variety of purposes, including opening a bank account, enrolling in a government program, and traveling internationally. The BVN is primarily used for identity verification in banking transactions.
- Format: The NIN is a 11-digit number, while the BVN is an 11-digit alphanumeric code.
In recent years, there has been a push to replace the BVN with the NIN as the primary identification number in Nigeria.
This is because the NIN is a more comprehensive and secure identification number. The NIN is also linked to a national database that contains a person’s biometric data, which makes it more difficult to forge or counterfeit.
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between NIN and BVN:
| Feature | NIN | BVN |
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | National Identity Management Act of 2007 | Central Bank of Nigeria policy directive |
| Scope | Mandatory for all citizens and legal residents of Nigeria | Only required for bank account holders |
| Uses | A variety of purposes, including opening a bank account, enrolling in a government program, and traveling internationally | Primarily used for identity verification in banking transactions |
| Format | 11-digit number | 11-digit alphanumeric code |
BVN Generated NIN
Does it sound weird? Huh, it’s not supposed to sound like that though. But let’s learn about the BVN Generated NIN.
NIN numbers created during the BVN registration are known as BVN generated NIN.
In the past, people can create a BVN and have a automatic generated NIN without them knowing, in this case you have to visit the NIN office and complete the registration for your National Identification Number to be active.
Conclusion – BVN VS NIN
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