The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute individuals and organizations illegally printing National Identification Number (NIN) cards. The commission emphasized that the NIN slip remains the only legal means of identification until the official launch of its General Multipurpose Card (GMPC).
In a statement issued on Monday by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, NIMC warned against fraudulent activities by “unscrupulous individuals, cyber cafes, and organizations” charging unsuspecting Nigerians to print unauthorized NIN cards. It clarified that no entity has been authorized to produce any card in place of the GMPC, and those engaging in such practices are violating the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007.
“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,” the statement read.
NIMC reiterated that it has completed preparations for the rollout of the GMPC, which will serve as both a means of identification and a payment card. While it has yet to confirm a specific launch date, the commission assured Nigerians that the improved card would meet their needs, providing multi-functional capabilities for financial transactions, government services, and private-sector engagements.
First announced in April last year, the GMPC is being developed in collaboration with AfriGO, a local payment platform. NIMC’s Director-General, Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, explained that the card would feature biometric security, offline and online transaction capabilities, and an extended validity period. She described it as a strategic tool designed to support government and private-sector interventions while addressing social and economic challenges.
Despite plans to distribute the GMPC widely, NIMC has confirmed that Nigerians who want the card will have to pay for it. Dr. Peter Iwegbu, Head of Card Management Services at NIMC, noted that past efforts to issue free physical ID cards resulted in wastage, with over two million cards left uncollected. To avoid a repeat of this, the government has opted for a paid system while making provisions for financially disadvantaged Nigerians to access the card through subsidy programs.
To facilitate accessibility, NIMC is partnering with banks nationwide, allowing individuals to request the card at any bank branch. The commission assured Nigerians that the new card would provide a reliable and secure means of identification while integrating payment functionalities to enhance financial inclusion.
