The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning over the unauthorized printing of National Identification Number (NIN) cards by individuals, cyber cafés, and organizations across Nigeria. The commission raised concerns about the proliferation of fake NIN cards and cautioned the public against using such illegal documents for identification purposes.
In a statement released on Monday, signed by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, the Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, the commission emphasized that only the official NIMC General Multi-Purpose Card (GMPC) is legally recognized. The unauthorized printing of NIN cards, the commission stated, is a violation of the NIMC Act No. 23, 2007, and warned that offenders would face legal consequences.
NIMC’s warning comes in response to growing concerns over fraudulent activities related to the printing of NIN cards. According to the commission, several individuals and cyber cafés have been illegally printing cards that resemble the official NIN card, offering them as a replacement for the General Multi-Purpose Card. These cards, though visually similar to the legitimate GMPC, are not authorized by NIMC and are not recognized as valid forms of identification.
The commission made it clear that it has not authorized any individual, cyber café, or organization to print NIN cards. NIMC further clarified that the so-called “NIN card” being printed by these unauthorized groups should not be presented as a means of identification, urging Nigerians to be vigilant in identifying legal documentation.
“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,” NIMC said in the statement.
The NIMC went on to explain that only the official NIN slip is valid and must be verified when used for accessing services. The slip, according to the commission, is the official document that should be used as proof of identity. The illegal NIN cards, they warned, are not recognized for any official or legal transactions.
To combat this growing trend, NIMC has informed the public that security agencies have been alerted and are now on high alert to clamp down on offenders. The commission emphasized that anyone caught printing, selling, or issuing fake NIN cards will face severe legal consequences.
“Security agencies have been notified and have been directed to apprehend those involved in this fraudulent activity. Anyone caught printing, selling, or issuing fake NIN cards will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” said Dr. Adegoke in the statement.
NIMC stressed the importance of safeguarding the integrity of national identity documentation, noting that the commission is dedicated to ensuring that only legally recognized identification documents are used in Nigeria. The commission also urged Nigerians to report any illegal printing of NIN cards and to seek clarification from NIMC through its official communication channels.
In a bid to meet the growing demand for a physical form of identification, NIMC also announced plans to launch an improved version of the General Multi-Purpose Card (GMPC). The new GMPC will serve not only as a national identification document but also as a payment card, powered by AfriGO, a local payment platform.
This upgrade is expected to provide Nigerians with a more versatile, secure, and reliable means of identification. NIMC hopes that the introduction of this new card will help streamline various identification and payment processes, as well as curb the illegal activities surrounding the unauthorized printing of NIN cards.
While the details of the improved GMPC remain under wraps, the commission has assured the public that the new card will adhere to the highest standards of security and authenticity. NIMC has emphasized that Nigerians should continue to use the official NIN slip for identification purposes until the new GMPC is officially launched.
NIMC has urged Nigerians to be proactive in reporting any illegal activities related to the printing and distribution of fake NIN cards. The commission has provided several channels through which the public can report suspicious activities and seek clarification.
For any inquiries or to report illegal printing of NIN cards, Nigerians can reach NIMC through the following contact details:
- Phone: 07002255646, 0815505388
- Email: [email protected], [email protected]
- Social Media: NIMC is also active on all social media platforms and can be contacted for updates or reports on fraudulent activities.
By encouraging public participation in monitoring and reporting fraudulent activities, NIMC aims to create a more secure and transparent system for national identification in Nigeria.
NIMC reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity of national identity management in Nigeria. The commission has been working tirelessly to ensure that every Nigerian is properly registered and issued with a valid NIN. The recent surge in fraudulent activities related to unauthorized NIN card printing, however, highlights the need for continuous vigilance and public awareness.
The commission reiterated that it is crucial for Nigerians to be aware of the difference between the official NIN slip and the fake NIN cards being circulated. The NIMC General Multi-Purpose Card, when launched, will be the official and legal form of identification for all Nigerians, providing a secure and reliable means of verifying identity.
