Functions as a component of the nuclear pore complex (NPC). NPC components, collectively referred to as nucleoporins (NUPs), can play the role of both NPC structural components and of docking or interaction partners for transiently associated nuclear transport factors. NIC96, which is localized to the core of the NPC and the distal ring of the nuclear basket, is required for de novo assembly of NPCs. Component of the nuclear pore complex (NPC). NPC constitutes the exclusive means of nucleocytoplasmic transport. NPCs allow the passive diffusion of ions and small molecules and the active, nuclear transport receptor-mediated bidirectional transport of macromolecules such as proteins, RNAs, ribonucleoparticles (RNPs), and ribosomal subunits across the nuclear envelope. Due to its 8-fold rotational symmetry, all subunits are present with 8 copies or multiples thereof. Part of a tetrameric NUP192-NUP170-NIC96-NUP53 or NUP188-NUP170-NIC96-NUP53 module. Symmetric distribution. Belongs to the nucleoporin interacting component (NIC) family.