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The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that Nigerians will need to bear the cost of obtaining the new multipurpose national identity card, citing budgetary constraints as the reason behind the policy shift.
During a two-day media roundtable in Lagos, Dr. Peter Iwegbu, Head of Card Management Services at NIMC, explained that the fee ensures the cards are produced only for those who genuinely require them.
“The payment system is intended to avoid the issues of the past, where physical cards were issued for free, but many went uncollected,” Dr. Iwegbu said. He added, “Over two million cards were produced in the previous initiative, and a large number remain unclaimed to date.”
Dr. Iwegbu emphasized that government revenue limitations also influenced the decision.
Echoing this sentiment, NIMC’s Director of Information Technology, Mr. Lanre Yusuf, noted, “The idea of issuing free national ID cards did not achieve the desired results previously.” He described the new card system as post-paid, requiring individuals to request and pay for the card only if they need it.
To obtain the new card, citizens must pay the requisite fee, choose a collection location, and retrieve it from the designated site. Yusuf assured Nigerians that the government is implementing programs to support those who cannot afford the card but need it to access essential services, highlighting the administration’s commitment to inclusivity.
The multipurpose ID cards, which are slated for launch soon, have undergone sample testing. Yusuf also announced a partnership with banks across Nigeria, allowing citizens to request and collect the cards at nearby bank branches.
The new card, powered by AfriGO and developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System, serves various functions, including identity verification, payments, and access to government services.
According to Yusuf, the card will support government intervention programs and facilitate services across numerous ministries, departments, and agencies.
