The commission vowed to arrest and prosecute offenders, citing violations of the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning against individuals, cybercafés, and organisations engaged in the unauthorised printing of National Identification Number (NIN) cards.
The commission vowed to arrest and prosecute offenders, citing violations of the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007.
In a statement released on Monday by the Commission’s Head of Corporate Communications Unit, Kayode Adegoke, NIMC expressed concern over the indiscriminate printing of unauthorised NIN cards and the exploitation of unsuspecting citizens who are being charged exorbitant fees for the illegitimate service.
“The National Identity Management Commission has noticed some unscrupulous individuals, cyber cafés, and organizations’ indiscriminate printing of unauthorized NIN cards and charging unsuspecting members of the public exorbitant fees,” Adegoke stated.
He further emphasised that NIMC has not authorised any individual or organization to print any NIN card aside from the officially sanctioned NIMC General Multi-Purpose Card (GMPC).
The Commission warned that the unauthorised cards should not be used as a means of identification, as they hold no legal recognition.
“To this end, the general public and organisations are advised to stop printing any NIN cards against the authorized NIMC GMPC.
“The so-called NIN card is not authorised by NIMC, and on no account should anyone present it as a means of identification,” the statement read.
NIMC also disclosed that security agencies had been notified of the illegal activity and had been mandated to apprehend those involved.
“Anyone caught will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” Adegoke warned.
The Commission reiterated that the only valid document for identification remains the NIN slip, which must be verified upon presentation before accessing services.
In response to public concerns, NIMC announced plans to launch an improved General Multi-Purpose Card (GMPC), which would function as both a physical means of identification and a payment card.
The enhanced GMPC, according to the Commission, is powered by AfriGO, a local payment platform, aiming to provide a more secure and efficient identification solution for Nigerians.
NIMC urged the public to remain vigilant and report any unauthorised NIN card printing activities to the authorities, stressing its commitment to upholding national identity security and preventing fraud.
SAHARA REPORTERS
Comment here
You must be logged in to post a comment.