The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has cautioned the public against the illegal printing of National Identification Number (NIN) cards by individuals, cyber cafés, and private organisations. The commission stressed that only the official NIMC General Multi-Purpose Card (GMPC) is legally recognised for identification.
In a statement released on Monday, NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, noted that printing fake NIN cards is a violation of the NIMC Act No. 23, 2007. He warned that law enforcement agencies have been instructed to take strict action against anyone involved in the unlawful practice.
“The Commission has not authorized any individual or organization to print any NIN card as a replacement for the official NIMC General Multi-Purpose Card. This act is illegal and punishable under the law,” the statement read.
The commission further advised Nigerians to avoid using unauthorised NIN cards, stating that only the official NIN slip is valid and must be verified before accessing services.
“The so-called NIN card being printed by some cyber cafés and individuals is not authorised by NIMC. On no account should it be presented as a means of identification,” NIMC stated.
To curb the spread of these fake cards, NIMC disclosed that security agencies have been alerted and given a mandate to arrest those involved.
“Anyone caught printing, selling, or issuing fake NIN cards will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” Adegoke warned.
As part of efforts to provide Nigerians with a secure physical means of identification, the commission announced plans to introduce an upgraded General Multi-Purpose Card. The new card will not only serve as an identity document but will also function as a payment card through AfriGO, a local payment platform.
NIMC urged Nigerians to report any cases of illegal NIN card printing and to seek clarifications through its official communication channels.
