National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, has raised alarm over the unauthorised printing of National Identification Number, NIN, cards by individuals, cyber cafés and organisations across the country.
The commission cautioned the public against patronising such services, emphasising that only the official NIMC General Multi-Purpose Card is legally recognised.
In a statement issued Monday and signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Dr Kayode Adegoke, NIMC described the illegal printing of NIN cards as a violation of the NIMC Act No. 23, 2007.
The commission warned that security agencies have been directed to clamp down on offenders.
“The commission has not authorised any individual or organisation 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.
NIMC advised Nigerians to stop using unauthorised NIN cards for identification, stressing that only the official slip is valid and must be verified upon presentation for 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,” the commission stated.
To curb this fraudulent activity, NIMC disclosed that security agencies have been notified and mandated to apprehend those involved in the illegal business.
“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 meet public demand for a physical means of identification, it announced that it has finalised plans to launch an improved General Multi-Purpose Card, GMPC.
The card, according to the commission, will serve as both an identification document and a payment card, powered by AfriGO, a local payment platform.
NIMC urged Nigerians to report any illegal printing of NIN cards and seek clarification through its official communication channels.
“For any inquiries, the public can reach NIMC via 07002255646, 0815505388, or email [email protected] and [email protected]. We are also available on all social media platforms,” the commission stated.
NIMC reaffirmed its commitment to uphold national identity integrity and ensure that only legally recognised identification documents are used in Nigeria.
