Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has ordered an immediate cessation of the production and distribution of Unified Business Identification Cards throughout the state. The directive comes after reports surfaced that fraudulent individuals were exploiting the system to deceive business owners.
The announcement was made public on Friday through Babayo Liman, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Internal Security. Liman revealed that investigations uncovered a scheme where impostors were charging traders approximately N3,000, falsely claiming authorization from the state government and the Department of Internal Security.
Originally designed to bolster internal security and streamline the identification of business entities, the card program has been compromised by these illicit activities. In response, the governor has mandated a comprehensive review and investigation into the matter.
Liman further stated that the responsibility for the card issuance will be transferred to the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs. This move aims to enhance oversight and ensure transparency in the process. He also called on the public to report any instances of extortion, promising that perpetrators would face arrest and prosecution.