The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has explained that Nigerians will need to pay for the new multipurpose national identity card due to limited government resources.
Speaking during a two-day roundtable for journalists in Lagos, Dr. Peter Iwegbu, Head of Card Management Services at NIMC, said the payment system was introduced to ensure the cards are produced only for those who genuinely need them.
Dr. Iwegbu highlighted the challenges faced during past attempts to distribute free ID cards. Over two million cards produced during a previous initiative remain uncollected, leading to wasted resources. He emphasized that the government’s constrained revenue makes it difficult to fund the production of the cards entirely.
Similarly, NIMC’s Director of Information Technology, Mr. Lanre Yusuf, described the new ID card as a “post-paid” identity system. Nigerians must request the card, make a payment, and select a pickup location to receive it.
Yusuf assured that the government has implemented measures to assist less privileged Nigerians who may not afford the card but need it to access government services. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to inclusivity.
The new ID card, powered by AfriGO and developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System, will support identity verification, payments, and access to government services.
To simplify access, NIMC has partnered with banks, allowing Nigerians to request and collect their cards from any bank branch nationwide. Yusuf stated, “This partnership ensures a seamless process, enabling citizens to obtain their cards conveniently.”
Sample cards have already been received, and the official rollout is expected soon. The new card will serve multiple purposes across government ministries, departments, and agencies, providing an integrated solution for Nigerians.
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