Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has ordered the immediate suspension of the production and issuance of Unified Business Identification Cards following reports of fraud and extortion linked to the exercise.
The suspension was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Internal Security, Babayo Liman.
According to the statement, the decision became necessary after investigations showed that some individuals were allegedly producing fake identification cards and using them to extort traders and business owners across the state.
The government said the fraudulent persons were collecting about N3,000 from unsuspecting traders while falsely claiming to be officials working for the Bauchi State Government and the Department of Internal Security.
Liman explained that the Unified Business Identification Card initiative was originally introduced by the state government as part of efforts to strengthen internal security and improve the identification of business operators in Bauchi State.
He said the programme was designed to create a reliable database of traders, shop owners and other business operators across the state to help security agencies and government authorities monitor business activities more effectively.
However, the discovery of fake operators exploiting the process forced the government to halt the exercise pending a full review.
“In response, the state governor has approved an immediate suspension of the production and issuance of the ID cards pending a full review and investigation,” the statement said.
The government also announced that the exercise would now be transferred to the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs for proper supervision and accountability.
According to Liman, the ministry would be responsible for reviewing the process and ensuring that future operations are transparent and free from abuse.
He warned those involved in the illegal production of the cards and extortion of traders to stop immediately or face arrest and prosecution.
Liman also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons demanding money in the name of the government.
He assured residents that the state government would not tolerate any form of exploitation or criminal activity carried out under government programs.
The development has generated reactions among traders and residents in Bauchi, many of whom expressed concern over the alleged activities of fraudsters posing as government officials.
Some traders said they had paid money for the identification cards because they believed the exercise was officially approved by the state government.
A trader at Muda Lawal Market, who spoke anonymously, said many business owners feared they could face penalties or harassment if they refused to register.
“We thought it was a government directive and that everybody had to comply. That was why many people paid the money,” the trader said.
Another shop owner described the suspension as a welcome development, saying it would protect small business owners from exploitation.
The issue has also raised concerns over the activities of fake agents and unauthorized groups operating in the name of government agencies in some parts of the country.
In recent years, several state governments have introduced different forms of identification and registration programmes for traders, artisans and transport operators as part of efforts to improve revenue generation, security monitoring and business regulation.
However, such exercises have sometimes faced criticism due to allegations of illegal levies, multiple taxation and extortion by unauthorized individuals.
The Bauchi State Government said the suspension would remain in place until investigations into the alleged fraud are completed.
Officials also hinted that a new structure may be introduced to ensure that only authorized government personnel handle future registration exercises.
Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration has repeatedly stated its commitment to improving security and boosting economic activities in the state.
The government recently increased efforts to address crimes such as banditry, kidnapping and illegal activities in parts of Bauchi State through stronger collaboration between security agencies and local authorities.
For many traders in Bauchi, the government’s intervention is expected to bring relief and stop the continued collection of illegal fees from small business owners already facing economic hardship.
Residents have now called on the authorities to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure that those behind the alleged scam are brought to justice.
The state government maintained that protecting citizens from fraud and ensuring transparency in public programs remain top priorities of the administration.