The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that Nigerians will now be required to pay for the newly introduced multipurpose national identity cards.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday, Peter Iwegbu, NIMC’s Head of Card Management Services, stated that the move is a response to the government’s limited resources to fund the production of the cards.
The decision to introduce a paid model stems from inefficiencies in previous initiatives, where over two million free ID cards were produced but remained uncollected. According to Iwegbu, requiring payment will ensure only those who genuinely need the ID cards will apply, thereby improving the management and allocation of resources.
NIMC is also collaborating with banks nationwide to make the new ID cards more accessible. Nigerians will be able to request the cards conveniently at their nearest bank. This partnership aims to streamline distribution and enhance efficiency.
Lanre Yusuf, NIMC’s Director of Information Technology, emphasized that the new system is designed to address past shortcomings. He added that the ID cards will serve multiple purposes, including identity verification, financial transactions, and access to essential government services.
For citizens unable to afford the new cards, Yusuf assured that support programmes would be implemented to ensure the less privileged can still obtain them.
The rollout of the new ID cards is expected soon, with test cards already in circulation.
