March 25, 2025 – The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has warned Nigerians against printing fake ‘NIN cards.’ The agency said it has ordered security forces to arrest and punish anyone caught doing so. This comes ahead of the planned rollout of its official General Multipurpose Card (GMPC).
In a statement released on Monday, signed by Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, NIMC made it clear that only the NIN slip is the legal document for identification. The agency is cracking down on people and businesses making unauthorized cards and charging high fees for them.
Crackdown on Fake Cards
NIMC said it has noticed that some individuals, cyber cafes, and groups are printing fake NIN cards without permission. These actions, the agency warned, break the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007. The commission stressed that no one has been allowed to make any card except its upcoming General Multipurpose Card.
“Stop printing any NIN cards outside the official GMPC,” the statement read. “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 urged the public to stick to the NIN slip for now. It promised that the new multipurpose card is coming soon to meet people’s needs.
Plans for the Official Card
NIMC first shared plans for the General Multipurpose Card in April last year. The card, powered by AfriGO, a local payment system, will serve many purposes. It will work as an ID and a way to make payments. However, the launch date has been unclear, leaving many Nigerians waiting.
During a recent press conference, Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Director-General of NIMC, explained more about the card. She said it will help with government programs and private sector services. It aims to tackle social and economic problems by combining identity and payment features.
The card will use biometric details unique to each person. It will last a long time, work online and offline, and be safe for financial use even in areas with no internet. “This card is built to make life easier for Nigerians,” Coker-Odusote said.
Why the Delay and Cost
While NIMC wants as many Nigerians as possible to get the new card, it won’t be free. Dr. Peter Iwegbu, Head of Card Management Services, said people will need to pay for it. He explained that the government doesn’t have enough money to give it out for free to everyone.
Iwegbu also pointed to a past mistake. Years ago, NIMC made over two million free National ID cards, but many were never picked up. “We don’t want that to happen again,” he said. Still, he added that the government has plans to help poor Nigerians who can’t afford the card but need it for support programs.
How to Get the Card
NIMC is teaming up with banks across Nigeria to make the card easy to get. Soon, people will be able to walk into any nearby bank and ask for it. This partnership aims to speed up the process and reach more people.
For now, though, the agency is focused on stopping fake cards. It wants Nigerians to trust the official system and wait for the real multipurpose card.
What Nigerians Think
The news has sparked mixed reactions. “I paid someone to print a NIN card because I thought it was okay,” said Tolu Adebayo, a shop owner in Lagos. “Now I’m worried I broke the law.” Others are excited about the new card. “If it works for payments and ID, that’s great,” said Amina Yusuf, a student in Abuja. “But I hope it comes soon.”
Experts say the crackdown is a good move. “Fake cards cause confusion and crime,” said John Okoro, a security analyst. “NIMC is right to act fast.”
Looking Forward
The push against fake NIN cards shows how serious NIMC is about controlling the identity system. The NIN slip remains the only legal option for now, but the General Multipurpose Card promises big changes. It could make life simpler and safer for millions of Nigerians.
As the agency prepares to roll out the new card, it’s asking people to be patient and follow the rules. Security agencies are on high alert, ready to catch anyone breaking the law. For Nigerians, the message is clear: stick to the slip and wait for the real thing.
A Step Toward Trust
The fight against fake cards and the promise of a better ID system are big steps for NIMC. The agency wants to build trust with the public by keeping things clear and legal. When the multipurpose card finally arrives, it could change how people prove who they are and pay for things every day.
For now, Nigerians are watching closely. The next few months will show if NIMC can deliver on its promises and stop the illegal card problem for good.