There are three main types of finger print used for NIN registration in Nigeria: loop, whorl, and arch. All types are accepted by NIMC as long as they are clearly scanned. Most Nigerians have loop patterns, while some have whorl or arch patterns. NIN officers will collect all ten fingerprints during registration, no matter the type.
Last year, my younger brother, Abubakar, went to register for his NIN. After waiting in line for hours, they told him his fingerprints were not clear. The officer tried again and again, but the machine could not capture the prints properly. They asked him to come back another day. It delayed his school admission process for weeks.
That experience made me curious. Why was his fingerprint not working? Was it damaged? Were there different types? Could this happen to anyone else? That was when I started paying attention to the different types of finger print used in Nigeria and how it affects our NIN registration.
If you’re also about to register, or your fingerprint was rejected, then this article will help you understand what you need to know.
Understanding Fingerprints and Why They Matter for NIN
Fingerprints are one of the most secure ways of identifying a person. No two people share the same fingerprint, even if they are twins. That’s why the Nigerian government uses fingerprints as part of the National Identity Number (NIN) registration. Your NIN is tied to your biometric details — including your fingerprint patterns.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the types of finger print commonly seen in Nigeria, how they affect your NIN registration, and which ones are accepted during the process.
Whether you’re registering for the first time or correcting errors, knowing your fingerprint type can help avoid rejection or delays at the enrollment Center.
Why Fingerprints Are Used for NIN in Nigeria
The NIN system is part of Nigeria’s plan to create a secure national identity for every citizen and resident. Fingerprints are collected during NIN registration to:
Verify your identity uniquely
Prevent multiple registrations
Improve national security and digital records
This process uses biometric recognition, which includes your finger print patterns, facial photo, and other personal details. Once captured, these fingerprints are stored securely by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
It’s important to understand that not every finger print pattern is recorded the same way. Knowing the different types of finger print used for NIN in Nigeria can help you prepare properly.
The 3 Main Types of Finger Print Patterns
There are three main types of fingerprints that most people have. These are the universal categories used across the world, including in Nigeria.
Let’s break them down one by one:
1. Loop Finger Print Pattern
This is the most common type of fingerprint in Nigeria and across the globe.
Loops curve back on themselves, forming a shape similar to a backward “C” or forward “C.” They enter from one side of the finger, form a curve, and exit from the same side.
Key Features:
Found in about 60–70% of people
Can be ulnar loops (towards the little finger) or radial loops (towards the thumb)
Easy to scan and record during NIN registration
Used for NIN?
Yes. Loops are one of the finger print types accepted for NIN in Nigeria without any complications.
2. Whorl Finger Print Pattern
Whorls look like circles or spirals. They have two or more deltas (triangular points) and at least one ridge that completes a full circle.
Key Features:
Found in about 25–35% of people
Includes plain whorls, double loop whorls, and central pocket whorls
Can be a bit more detailed to scan but still valid for NIN
Used for NIN?
Yes. Whorl patterns are part of the list of finger print types required for NIN registration and are commonly accepted.
3. Arch Finger Print Pattern
This is the least common type. Arches do not loop or spiral. They rise in the center like a wave and exit on the opposite side.
Key Features:
Found in less than 10% of people
Can be plain arches or tented arches
Sometimes hard to capture clearly, especially if the ridges are faint
Used for NIN?
Yes, but with extra care. Some machines may struggle with capturing clear images of arch patterns. Still, this is part of the finger print patterns Nigerians use for NIN and is officially recognized.
How Finger Print Patterns Are Captured for NIN
During your NIN registration, your fingers are placed on a scanner — typically a live fingerprint scanner. This device reads the ridges and valleys on your fingertips and converts them into digital biometric data.
Here’s what happens step-by-step:
The officer asks you to place your right fingers first
Then your left hand
Finally, both thumbs
Make sure your hands are clean and not wet or oily. Dirty or cracked fingers can cause poor image quality.
Which Finger Print Types Are Accepted for NIN in Nigeria?
All three fingerprint patterns — loop, whorl, and arch — are officially accepted. The NIMC does not reject anyone based on their finger print type.
But what can cause issues are:
Faint or damaged prints
Fingerprints not captured properly
Technical issues with the scanner
So, even if you have an arch (the rarest type), it will be accepted — as long as it’s clearly captured.
The NIMC uses software that recognizes all types of fingerprints. So there’s no special requirement or extra processing because of your fingerprint pattern.
List of Finger Print Types Required for NIN Registration
When registering for NIN, all ten fingers are scanned. That includes:
Left and right thumbs
Index fingers
Middle fingers
Ring fingers
Little fingers
There is no restriction on which types of finger print you must have — what matters is that all prints are clearly recorded.
So while you may have a mix of loops, whorls, and arches across your fingers, the NIMC just needs each one captured clearly.
What to Do If Your Fingerprints Are Not Captured Properly
Sometimes, your fingerprints might not scan well. This can happen if:
You have rough hands from work or farming
Your skin is too dry or too oily
You’re elderly and have faded ridges
You have cuts or wounds on your fingers
What you can do:
Wash and dry your hands before your appointment
Rub mild lotion (non-greasy) if your hands are too dry
Inform the officer if your fingerprints aren’t clear
Be patient during scanning — do not rush
If a fingerprint is not accepted, NIMC may mark it as “missing” and use other fingers or facial data to verify your identity.
Tips Nigerians Should Know Before Going for NIN Fingerprint Capture
Carry clean water and small soap if you’re coming from a long journey
Use hand cream days before your appointment (not on the same day)
Don’t use henna or dye on your hands before going
If you have wounds or broken nails, wait till they heal
Is It Possible to Register for NIN Without Fingerprints?
No. NIMC requires fingerprint capture for all applicants. It’s one of the major biometric tools they use for identification.
In rare cases where a person has a medical condition that makes fingerprints unreadable, a manual exception can be applied — but this is only for extreme conditions and must be verified medically.
Why Some Fingerprint Registrations Get Rejected
Even if your fingerprint type is acceptable, your NIN capture might fail or be flagged if:
The scanner could not read the pattern
The operator skips a finger or records it wrongly
The captured data doesn’t match other national databases
There’s double registration using different details
That’s why you should make sure the officer shows you all the captured prints before submission.
Can Fingerprint Type Affect Your NIN Verification Later?
Your fingerprint pattern will not affect verification if it was captured correctly. NIMC uses a central database that matches your fingerprint with your face and personal data. Even if your print is an arch or whorl, the system will recognize you if the scan was accurate.
But if you registered at a poor-quality center where your prints were not clear, you might have issues later — especially when linking your NIN to SIM cards, bank BVN, or passport.
Last Words: Know Your Finger Print Type Before NIN
Understanding your fingerprint type is not just for science class — it can help you stay informed and avoid stress during your NIN registration.
To recap:
There are 3 main types of finger print: loop, whorl, and arch
All types are accepted for NIN in Nigeria
Your fingerprints must be clearly scanned and recorded
If you have issues with capture, you can ask for re-scanning or correction
Getting your NIN right the first time saves you time, money, and future complications.
FAQs
What are the types of finger print used for NIN in Nigeria?
The types include loops, whorls, and arches. These are accepted across all registration centres in Nigeria.
Can I register for NIN without fingerprints?
No, fingerprint capture is compulsory. Only rare medical exceptions are allowed.
Which finger print types are best for NIN registration?
There is no “best” type. All patterns are accepted as long as the scan is clear.
How do I know my fingerprint type?
You can check by pressing your finger on ink and placing it on paper, then observing if it’s a loop, whorl, or arch.
Why did my NIN fingerprint scan fail?
It may be due to dry hands, dirty scanner, or unclear ridge patterns. Try again with clean, moisturized fingers.