Nigerian authorities have issued a strong warning against the unauthorized printing of national identity (NIN) cards by individuals and businesses.
The National Identity Management Commission in a press release signed by Kayode Adegoke, Head of the Corporate Communications Unit at the Commission stated that it has received reports of unscrupulous individuals and cyber cafes charging exorbitant fees for printing unofficial NIN cards.
The commission emphasized that it has not authorized any entity to print cards as replacements for the official NIMC General Multi-Purpose Card, highlighting that such actions are a violation of the NIMC Act of 2007.
The Commission advised the general public and organizations to immediately cease the printing of any NIN cards that are not the authorized NIMC GMPC. It clarified that these unofficial “NIN cards” are not sanctioned by the NIMC and should not be presented as valid identification. It also noted that security agencies have been informed of these illegal activities and are mandated to apprehend those involved, who will face legal consequences.
Mr. Adegoke reiterated in the release that the NIN slip remains the sole legal document authorized for identification and must be verified when presented for services.
Looking ahead, the NIMC says it has finalized plans to introduce an improved, multifunctional General Multi-Purpose Card. This new card will serve as both a physical means of identification and a payment tool, utilizing a local platform called AfriGO.
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