The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that Nigerians will be required to pay for the new multipurpose National ID card due to financial constraints faced by Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.
NIMC’s Head of Card Management Services, Peter Iwegbu, explained the decision during a two-day roundtable for journalists in Lagos.
Iwegbu stated that the payment requirement was aimed at ensuring that the card is produced only for those who need it. He highlighted the previous attempt to issue National ID cards for free, which resulted in over two million uncollected cards, as a key reason for the shift in policy.
He further noted that the government’s limited revenue played a significant role in the decision to charge for the new ID cards.
“The government’s limited revenue is also a major factor in the decision to make Nigerians pay for the new ID card,” he stated.
NIMC’s IT Director, Lanre Yusuf, reinforced that the free distribution of cards had not been successful in the past, describing the new system as a “post-paid” identity card. Nigerians will now need to pay, select a pickup location, and collect their cards from a bank or designated location.
“To get the new national ID card, Nigerians will need to make a payment, select a pickup location, and then collect their card from the chosen location.
“The government has implemented programmes to make the card accessible to the less privileged Nigerians who cannot afford it but require it to access government support.
“This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to inclusivity and equality,” Yusuf added
The cards, powered by AfriGO, were launched in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System. They are expected to be launched soon, with sample test cards already received.
NIMC has partnered with banks nationwide to facilitate a smoother application and collection process, allowing Nigerians to request their cards at any participating bank branch.
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