The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning against the unauthorised printing of National Identification Number (NIN) cards by cyber cafes, individuals, and organisations

According to a statement seen by Technology Times, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, the nation’s identity management agency warns that such actions are illegal under the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007.

NIMC has not granted any individual or organisation the right to print NIN cards as substitutes for the official NIMC General Multi-Purpose Card (GMPC), according to the agency’s spokesman who further stressed that any attempt to produce such unofficial cards violates existing laws.

NIMC: Security agencies to act against offenders

NIMC, the agency’s spokesman says, has reported these illegal activities to security agencies, mandating them to clamp down on perpetrators involved in the unauthorised printing and distribution of fake NIN cards.

“The so-called NIN card is not authorised by NIMC, and on no account should anyone present it as a means of identification. The security agencies have been notified of this nefarious activity and have been mandated to apprehend those involved. Anyone caught will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” Adegoke says.

NIMC has urged individuals and organisations to cease the printing of any NIN cards, clarifying that the NIN slip remains the only legally-recognised document for identification.

NIMC to launch improved multi-purpose NIN card

In response to public demand, NIMC announced plans to introduce an Improved General Multi-Purpose Card (GMPC) that will serve as both an identification document and a payment card powered by AfriGO, a local payment platform.

“To meet the yearnings of the public, the Commission has finalised plans to launch the Improved GMPC, which is multifunctional and serves as a physical means of identification and payment. The card is powered by AfriGO, a local payment platform,” the statement affirms.

The warning by NIMC underscores the government’s efforts to curb identity fraud and ensure the integrity of the national identity management system in Nigeria, according to the agency.