The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) warns cyber cafes and businesses against unauthorized NIN card printing, stating it violates the NIMC Act. Security agencies have been alerted to arrest offenders. NIMC plans to launch an enhanced General Multi-Purpose Card (GMPC) as the only valid identification and payment solution.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to cyber cafes and businesses engaging in the unauthorized printing of National Identification Number (NIN) cards. According to Kayode Adegoke, head of corporate communications at NIMC, only the commission is authorized to issue the official General Multi-Purpose Card (GMPC), and any alternative printing violates the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007.
NIMC condemned the illegal activities of certain individuals and businesses that are charging unsuspecting citizens high fees for unauthorized NIN cards. The commission emphasized that these counterfeit cards are not recognized as valid identification and should not be presented for official transactions. To curb the spread of these fraudulent practices, security agencies have been instructed to arrest and prosecute offenders.
In response to public demand for a secure and multifunctional identification system, NIMC announced plans to launch an enhanced GMPC, which will serve as both an official ID and a payment solution, powered by the local payment platform AfriGo. The commission reiterated that the only legally recognized form of NIN identification remains the official NIN slip, which must be verified for service access.
