Government Cracks Down on Fake NIN Cards as Identity Fraud Rises
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The Federal Government has launched a sweeping crackdown on individuals and businesses illegally printing National Identification Number (NIN) cards, warning that offenders will face prosecution.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), in a statement on Monday, decried the proliferation of fake NIN cards being churned out by cyber cafés and other entities, which charge unsuspecting Nigerians hefty fees for the illicit service.
Describing the practice as a blatant violation of the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, the agency urged Nigerians to reject and avoid using such unauthorized cards.
“The so-called NIN card is not recognized by NIMC and must not be presented as a valid means of identification,” NIMC spokesperson Kayode Adegoke stated. “Security agencies have been alerted and directed to apprehend those involved in this unlawful activity.”
The commission reiterated that the NIN slip remains the only officially recognized proof of identity and must be verified before use.
The warning comes as NIMC announced that 117.3 million Nigerians had been enrolled in the national identity database as of February 28, 2025.
To address growing demand for a physical identification card, NIMC revealed that it is finalizing plans to launch an enhanced General Multipurpose Card (GMPC)—a hybrid identity and payment card powered by AfriGO, a local payment platform.
Originally announced in April last year, the GMPC has faced delays, with concerns over its rollout timeline. However, at a recent press briefing, NIMC’s Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, assured the public that the new card will be designed to facilitate both government and private sector transactions while tackling social and economic challenges.
In a notable shift, NIMC clarified that Nigerians who want the GMPC will have to pay for it—a move attributed to the government’s limited resources and the need to avoid past inefficiencies. A previous attempt to distribute free national ID cards resulted in over two million uncollected cards, highlighting flaws in the system.
By introducing a payment model, NIMC hopes to ensure that only those who genuinely require the card apply for it, thereby reducing waste and improving efficiency in distribution.
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