December 15, 2015

VIA EDGAR

The United States Securities and
    Exchange Commission
100 F. Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20549-8629

Subject: Nationwide Variable Account-12

Nationwide Life Insurance Company
Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 (File No.333-178057)
CIK Number: 0001173507
Accession Number: 0001193125-15-346589

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Pursuant to Rule 477 under the Securities Act of 1933, and on behalf of its Nationwide Variable Account-12, Nationwide Life Insurance Company ("Nationwide") respectfully requests the withdrawal of the Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 filed October 19, 2015, File No. 333-178057, together with all exhibits thereto and correspondence filed therewith ("the Amendment").

Nationwide's request is based on a determination not to proceed with the product modification included in the Amendment at this time. Accordingly, Nationwide respectfully requests effectiveness of this withdrawal to be as soon as practicable.

Nationwide confirms that: (i) the Amendment has not automatically become effective nor been declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission; and (ii) no securities have been sold pursuant to the Amendment.

If you have any questions concerning this matter, please contact me at 614-677-6123.

Sincerely yours,

Nationwide Life Insurance Company

/s/ BEN MISCHNICK

Ben Mischnick
Assistant General Counsel

cc: Mr. Sonny Oh

Home Office: One Nationwide Plaza Nationwide Insurance

Columbus, Ohio 43215-2220 Nationwide Financial

Legal Counsel to the Nationwide Insurance Companies and their Associated Companies