The Federal Government of Nigeria has raised an alarm over the alleged printing of unauthorised National Identity Number (NIN) cards by individuals and owners of cyber cafes.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in a statement issued on Monday warned Nigerians against patronising the individuals and agencies that engage in such an act.
Stating that the commission would not hesitate to arrest and prosecute offenders, the Commission’s Head of Corporate Communications Unit, Kayode Adegoke said those engaged in such an act violate NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007.
According to Adegoke, investigations by the NIMC show that these organisations and individuals also charge exorbitant prices for unauthorised NIN cards.
He said, “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.”
He also noted that the NIMC has not authorised anyone or organisation aside from its officially sanctioned NIMC General Multi-Purpose Card (GMPC) to issue 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.
“Anyone caught will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” Adegoke stated.
He warned the public that the only valid NIN document is the slip which must be verified upon presentation to access services across the country.
