The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has sounded the alarm over the unauthorized printing of National Identification Number (NIN) cards by individuals, cyber cafés, and organizations nationwide. In a decisive move to protect Nigeria’s identity system, the commission has declared such activities illegal under the NIMC Act No. 23, 2007, promising swift action against offenders.
Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, emphasized in a Monday statement that only the official NIMC General Multi-Purpose Card (GMPC) holds legal recognition, urging the public to shun counterfeit alternatives.
Legal Consequences and Security Crackdown
NIMC has made it clear that printing, selling, or issuing fake NIN cards is a punishable offense. “The Commission has not authorized any individual or organization to print any NIN card as a replacement for the official GMPC,” the statement read. To enforce compliance, security agencies have been instructed to apprehend those involved in this illicit trade. “Anyone caught will face the full wrath of the law,” Adegoke warned, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to safeguard national identity integrity.
Public Advisory: Stick to Official NIN Slip
The commission has cautioned Nigerians against using unauthorized NIN cards for identification purposes, clarifying that only the official NIN slip is valid. “The so-called NIN card being printed by some cyber cafés and individuals is not authorized by NIMC and should not be presented as a means of identification,” the statement stressed. Citizens are urged to verify their NIN slips when accessing services, as counterfeit cards lack legal standing and could lead to penalties.
Introducing the Upgraded General Multi-Purpose Card
In response to growing demand for a robust physical identification tool, NIMC has finalized plans to roll out an enhanced General Multi-Purpose Card (GMPC). This innovative card will double as both an identification document and a payment card, powered by AfriGO, Nigeria’s local payment platform. The move aims to streamline identity verification while offering practical financial utility, reinforcing NIMC’s commitment to modernizing the national identity framework.
How to Report Fraud and Seek Help
NIMC is calling on the public to report any instances of illegal NIN card printing through its official channels. For inquiries or clarifications, citizens can contact the commission via phone at 07002255646 or 0815505388, or email nimccustomercare@nimc.gov.ng and ieu@nimc.gov.ng. The agency is also accessible across all social media platforms, ensuring Nigerians have multiple avenues to stay informed and engaged.
Upholding National Identity Standards
Reaffirming its mission, NIMC stressed its dedication to maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s identity system. By cracking down on fraudulent practices and introducing cutting-edge solutions like the improved GMPC, the commission is taking bold steps to ensure that only legally recognized identification documents circulate in the country. As enforcement ramps up, Nigerians are urged to comply with official guidelines to avoid legal repercussions.
