The National Identity Management Commission has announced that Nigerians will now be required to pay for the new multipurpose national identity card due to constraints on government revenue. This decision was shared by Dr Peter Iwegbu, the Head of Card Management Services at NIMC, during a roundtable event for journalists in Lagos.
Iwegbu emphasized that the introduction of a payment system for the new ID card aims to ensure that it is only issued to those who genuinely need it. He highlighted past challenges where over two million free National ID cards were produced but remained uncollected by recipients, leading to the current shift towards a paid model.
The government’s financial limitations have played a significant role in this transition, as stated by Iwegbu. Additionally, Mr Lanre Yusuf, the Director of Information Technology at NIMC, supported the decision by referencing the unsuccessful history of issuing free national ID cards.
Yusuf elaborated on the process for obtaining the new ID card, explaining that individuals will need to make a payment, choose a pickup location, and then retrieve their card from the designated spot. He also mentioned efforts to ensure accessibility for less privileged individuals who require the card for government support.
The upcoming launch of the multipurpose ID cards, which have already undergone sample testing, is anticipated to provide a seamless experience for Nigerians. Collaborations with banks have been established to enable card requests and collections at various branches, facilitating ease of access for the public.
The new national ID card, in partnership with AfriGO, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System, is designed to support identity verification, payments, and access to government services across different sectors. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to inclusivity and equality.