The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that Nigerians will now have to pay for the new multipurpose national identity card, citing limited government revenue as the primary reason for this decision
At a two-day roundtable with journalists in Lagos, Dr. Peter Iwegbu, Head of Card Management Services at NIMC, explained that charging for the card ensures it is produced only for those who truly need it. He highlighted that the previous free National ID card initiative led to the production of over two million cards, many of which remain uncollected.
“The government’s limited revenue also plays a major role in this decision,” Dr. Iwegbu said.
Mr. Lanre Yusuf, Director of Information Technology at NIMC, added that the free national ID card program did not yield the desired outcomes. He described the new ID card as a “post-paid” identity card, emphasizing that individuals must have a legitimate need for it before requesting one.
“To receive the new national ID card, Nigerians must make a payment, select a pickup location, and collect the card from there,” Yusuf explained.
Yusuf also noted that the government has implemented programs to make the card accessible to disadvantaged Nigerians who may not afford it but need it to access government services. “This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to inclusivity and equality,” he said.
The launch of the multipurpose ID cards is imminent, with sample test cards already received. NIMC is partnering with banks across the country to allow Nigerians to request the card at any nearby bank.
The new national ID card will serve as a multipurpose tool for identity verification, payments, and access to government services. Developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System, the card is designed to support various government programs and services across ministries, departments, and agencies.
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