The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a strong warning against the unauthorized printing of National Identification Number (NIN) cards, stating that security agencies have been mandated to arrest and prosecute offenders.
In a statement released on Monday, Kayode Adegoke, the Head of NIMC’s Corporate Communications Unit, emphasized that the only officially recognized identification document is the NIN slip. He warned that “some unscrupulous individuals, cyber cafes, and organizations” are illegally printing NIN cards and charging unsuspecting Nigerians exorbitant fees.
According to the NIMC, this act is a direct violation of the NIMC Act No. 23, 2007. “To this end, the general public and organizations are advised to stop printing any NIN cards against the authorized NIMC General Multipurpose Card (GMPC). The so-called NIN card is not authorized by NIMC, and on no account should anyone present it as a means of identification”, He Said.
Mr Adegoke further warned that security agencies have been alerted and will take legal action against those involved. “Anyone caught will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” he added.
The NIMC has reiterated its commitment to launching the officially recognized General Multipurpose Card (GMPC), which will serve as a legal form of identification and payment. The commission has partnered with AfriGO, a local payment platform, to make this card multifunctional, addressing both identity verification and financial transactions.
Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Director-General of NIMC, assured Nigerians that the upcoming GMPC will have advanced security features, including biometric identification, online and offline payment functionalities, and extended validity. However, she noted that the card will not be issued for free, as the government seeks to avoid past mistakes of providing physical identification cards at no cost.
Key Takeaways
- The NIN slip remains the only legally recognized form of identification.
- Printing unauthorized NIN cards is illegal, and offenders will be prosecuted.
- The NIMC General Multipurpose Card (GMPC) will soon be launched as an official ID and payment card.
- Nigerians who wish to obtain the GMPC will have to pay a fee.
NIMC urges citizens to remain cautious and avoid falling victim to unauthorized agents charging for illegal NIN card printing.
