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Security agencies to arrest offenders as Nigeria awaits official General Multipurpose Card (GMPC).
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning against the unauthorized printing of so-called ‘NIN cards’. It declared them illegal ahead of its planned General Multipurpose Card (GMPC) launch. The commission has directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute individuals and businesses involved in the illegal printing and sale of these unauthorized identity cards.
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In an official statement released on Monday, Kayode Adegoke, NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, stressed that:
“The general public and organizations are advised to stop printing any NIN cards against the authorized NIMC GMPC. The so-called NIN card is not authorized by NIMC, and on no account should anyone present it as a means of identification.”
Security Crackdown on Fake NIN Cards
NIMC revealed that several cyber cafés, individuals, and groups have been illegally producing and distributing fake NIN cards. It accused these outlets of deceiving unsuspecting Nigerians while charging exorbitant fees for the fraudulent service. These activities violate the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, and offenders will face legal consequences.
“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 warned.
NIMC clarified that only the official NIN slip—issued upon registration—remains the valid and legal form of identification . Until the new General Multipurpose Card (GMPC) is officially launched, the slip suffices as the only legal ID instrument
The Upcoming General Multipurpose Card (GMPC)
NIMC first announced its General Multipurpose Card (GMPC) project in April 2023, but the official launch date remains uncertain. Powered by AfriGO, a locally developed payment system, the GMPC will serve as both a national identity card and a financial transaction card.
- During a recent press conference, Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, NIMC’s Director-General, provided further insights into the card’s functionality, emphasizing its role in:
Identity verification – Integrating biometric security to ensure authenticity - Financial inclusion – Enabling seamless cashless transactions
- Government and private sector services – Improving access to welfare programs, banking, and other essential services
- Offline and online functionality – Designed to work even in areas with limited internet connectivity
“This card is built to make life easier for Nigerians. It will help streamline government programs, improve financial access, and offer a secure way to authenticate identities,” Coker-Odusote stated.
Public Caution and NIMC’s Warning
As Nigerians await the GMPC, NIMC urges the public to remain patient and avoid engaging with fraudulent vendors attempting to profit from fake NIN card printing. The commission reaffirmed that no organization or individual is authorized to print NIN cards apart from NIMC itself.
“Stop printing any NIN cards outside the official GMPC. These fake cards are not approved by NIMC and should not be used as ID. Security agencies are now tracking down those responsible, and they will face serious punishment,” the agency stated.
The Nigerian public is advised to rely on the official NIN slip as a means of identification until the General Multipurpose Card (GMPC) becomes available.
COVER Pic: Abisoye Coker-Odusote, NIMC DG
